Introduction: A New Era for Indian Cricket
Indian cricket is at a crossroads, and at the centre of it is Shubman Gill, the new Test captain. At 25, he has taken the baton from legends like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have just retired from Test cricket. His appointment as India’s 37th Test captain is a bold move by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to bring in a new era of leadership. As India takes on England in a 5 match Test series in 2025 as part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, all eyes are on Gill.
How will Shubman Gill captaincy impact India’s performance? Can he lead a young team to victory in England’s seaming conditions? This blog dives into Shubman Gill captaincy, his journey, leadership style and what to expect in India vs England 2025.
Shubman Gill: The Rise of a Generational Talent
Shubman Gill Known as the “Prince of Indian Cricket,” Shubman Gill has gained popularity since making his debut in 2019. Gill, who was born in Punjab, began playing cricket at the age of three. His father, Lakhwinder Singh, encouraged him by bowling to him every day. He was named Player of the Tournament in the 2018 Under-19 World Cup, where he was instrumental in India’s victory, and his talent was evident from a young age. Gill has demonstrated promise as an opener with 1893 runs, including five hundreds, in 32 Test matches. However, following the retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, he was appointed Test captain in May 2025, placing him in a leadership position where he must do more than just bat.
Why Shubman Gill Was Chosen as Captain
Gill was selected by the BCCI over more seasoned players like KL Rahul or Jasprit Bumrah. Gill was the leading candidate for Test captaincy for the following reasons:
- Youth and Longevity: According to India’s 2025–2027 World Test Championship cycle, Gill is a long-term captaincy candidate at the age of 25.
- Proven Leadership: Gill has demonstrated his ability to handle pressure by leading Gujarat Titans to the 2025 IPL playoffs and captaining India in five Twenty24 Twenty20 Internationals against Zimbabwe.
- Batting Form: He can set an example with his recent performances of 124* at Headingley and 114* at Edgbaston.
- Temperament: Gill’s calm and collected demeanor, which is necessary to withstand the pressure of Test captaincy, was commended by chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
He has only five feet of red ball captaincy experience.
He has limited red ball captaincy experience-only 5 first class matches-Gill’s appointment reflects the BCCI’s confidence in his potential to lead a transitioning team.
Challenges Facing Shubman Gill Captaincy
Taking over as Test captain is no easy task, especially when the team is in transition. India’s 2025 England tour squad is young and missing stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammed Shami. Here are the challenges Gill faces:
Inexperienced Squad: With newcomers like Sai Sudharsan and returning players like Karun Nair, Gill has to mix and match youth with limited experience to face England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach.
Seaming Conditions: England’s pitches are known to swing and seam, which will test India’s batting and bowling. Gill’s average of 25 in the SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries is a challenge.
Bowling Management: With Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness a concern, Gill has to manage his pace attack – Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and debutant Arshdeep Singh, along with spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav.
Leadership Scrutiny: Captaincy comes with intense scrutiny. Gill’s tactical decisions – bowling changes and field placements have already been criticized, and some fans on social media are comparing him with Rohit Sharma.
Despite all these challenges, Gill’s early performances as captain, scoring centuries in his first two Tests, show he’s ready to take the responsibility.
India vs England 2025: A Defining Series for Gill
The 5 match Test series against England starting June 20, 2025 at Headingley is a big test for Shubman Gill’s captaincy. The series is called the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy and is the start of India’s 2025-27 World Test Championship campaign. Here’s what to expect:
Series Schedule and Venues
- First Test: Headingley, Leeds (June 20-24, 2025)
- Second Test: Edgbaston, Birmingham (July 2-6, 2025)
- Third Test: Lord’s, London (July 10-14, 2025)
- Fourth Test: Old Trafford, Manchester (July 23-27, 2025)
- Fifth Test: The Oval, London (July 31-August 4, 2025)
Key Players to Watch
Gill’s captaincy will depend on a mix of old and new. Here are the players to watch in the Indian team:
- Rishabh Pant (Vice-Captain): The wicketkeeper-batter’s aggressive style and overseas record (42) is a big plus.
- Jasprit Bumrah: Despite fitness issues, Bumrah can win matches on his own.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: The young opener can counter England’s bowlers.
- Sai Sudharsan: A debutant with big domestic numbers, he’s expected to shine.
- Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav: The spin duo will be key in England’s conditions.
England’s Challenge: The Bazball Factor
England, with Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum at the helm, have been unbeaten at home since 2022 and play Bazball. Gill’s tactical brain will be put to the test against England’s batting and bowling attack which is full of variety and has Chris Woakes who can exploit Gill’s weakness against pace (31 against pace and 42 against spin).
Gill’s Leadership Style: What Sets Him Apart
Shubman Gill’s captaincy is a mix of calm and competitiveness. He draws inspiration from Virat Kohli’s intensity and Rohit Sharma’s composure. In a recent interview with BCCI.tv he said that as a batsman not just a captain he makes decisions to stay mentally clear. His approach includes:
- Leading by Example: Gill’s centuries in Leeds and Birmingham show he’s going to anchor the batting line up.
- Player Empowerment: He’s encouraging players like Pant and Jaiswal to express themselves, creating a positive dressing room.
- Adaptability: Gill’s experience in T20Is and IPL has made him adapt to different formats and conditions.
Ravi Shastri, former India coach, calls this series a “development phase” for Gill’s captaincy and says he’s inspiring a young team.
What Fans Can Expect from Gill’s Leadership
As India goes through this transition phase, Gill’s captaincy offers hope and excitement. His batting and calm head positions him as a leader who can bridge India’s past with the future. The England series is tough but Gill’s early centuries suggest he’s up to the task. Fans can expect:
- Bold Decisions: Gill’s competitive nature (as said by Sunil Gavaskar) will see him challenge the umpires and make proactive decisions.
- Youthful Energy: With Sudharsan and Jaiswal in the team, India’s batting will be aggressive and dynamic.
- Learning Curve: As a relatively new captain, Gill will face setbacks but his adaptability will be key.
Conclusion: A New Era Dawns Shubman Gill’s captaincy is a new era for Indian cricket. As he leads a young team against England in 2025, the world waits to see if the “Prince” can become a king. His ability to balance batting with leadership will be key to India’s World Test Championship. England’s Bazball and a inexperienced team are big challenges but Gill’s early performances and calm head gives hope. Can he win a series in England, last done in 2007? Only time will tell but one thing is certain, Shubman Gill’s captaincy will shape Indian cricket’s future.
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