Shubman Gill faces pivotal Test captaincy debut: can he fill Kohli’s shoes?

As India embarks on a challenging five-Test series in England starting June 20, Shubman Gill steps into the captaincy void left by Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. With 1893 Test runs and IPL leadership experience, Gill’s performance and composure will be crucial in shaping India’s future on foreign soil.

Sources:
MintThehinduEspncricinfo+2
Updated 39m ago
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Sources: MintNews18Icc-cricket+1
Shubman Gill steps into the formidable role of India’s 37th Test captain, debuting against England in a five-Test series starting June 20 at Leeds.
Gill inherits the mantle from Virat Kohli, who retired last month after amassing 9,230 Test runs and 30 centuries.

Vice-captain Rishabh Pant confirmed Gill will bat at number four, Kohli’s former position, while Pant himself will bat at five. Pant highlighted their strong friendship as a key factor in managing leadership pressures.

"Pant said his friendship with Gill will help them tackle the leadership responsibilities, with their first big challenge coming up on Friday when the first test kicks off at Leeds."

The series holds historical weight, with only three Indian teams winning in England over the past 90 years, underscoring the challenge Gill faces.

Former coach Ravi Shastri advised patience and composure for the 25-year-old captain, praising Gill’s maturity and tactical acumen displayed during his IPL captaincy.

"I think, take your time," Shastri said, offering his initial guidance to the 25-year-old Gill.

Gill’s Test career, though still young with 1,893 runs at a 35.05 average in 32 matches, now demands leadership under intense scrutiny.

Pant also acknowledged the void left by Kohli and Rohit Sharma but emphasized the opportunity to build a new team culture.

"Definitely big people have left, yes there will be a gap, but at the same time it's an opportunity for us to build a new culture or take the existing culture forward, just adding to it."

As India embarks on this crucial tour, Gill’s captaincy debut will be closely watched as a test of his ability to fill Kohli’s shoes and lead India to success abroad.
Sources: MintNews18Icc-cricket
Shubman Gill, India’s new Test captain, faces a pivotal debut leading the team against England starting June 20. Taking over from Virat Kohli, Gill will bat at number four, with vice-captain Rishabh Pant supporting leadership duties. Experts urge patience as Gill embarks on this challenging role.
Section 1 background
The Headline

Gill named captain, prepares for key England series

Key Facts
  • Shubman Gill has been named India's 37th Test captain and will bat at number four, taking over Virat Kohli's old position in the batting order.MintThehindu
  • Rishabh Pant confirmed Gill's batting position and emphasized their strong friendship and leadership synergy as they prepare for the series opener.MintThehindu
  • India is preparing for a five-Test series against England for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy starting June 20, marking a significant challenge for the new captain.News18
  • Gill has scored 1893 runs at a 35.05 average in 32 Tests and has shown maturity and tactical awareness as a captain in the Indian Premier League.Icc-cricket
  • The upcoming England series is a pivotal test for Gill's development as captain amid the absence of experienced players like Kohli and Rohit Sharma.News18
India's new test captain Shubman Gill will drop down one spot in the order to take Virat Kohli's old position at number four, vice skipper Rishabh Pant said on Wednesday ahead of their series opener against England.
Mint
Mint
India vice-captain Rishabh Pant on Wednesday (June 18, 2025) confirmed that Shubman Gill will bat at No. 4 in the, while he will follow the skipper at the No. 5 slot.
Thehindu
Thehindu
Definitely big people have left, yes there will be a gap, but at the same time it's an opportunity for us to build a new culture or take the existing culture forward, just adding to it.
Espncricinfo
Espncricinfo
Shubman Gill, India's 37th Test captain, has a lot on his plate and much to prove.
News18
News18
Speaking on the latest episode of The ICC Review, Shastri emphasised patience and composure as key for the young leader stepping into one of the most challenging roles. “I think, take your time,” Shastri said, offering his initial guidance to the 25-year-old Gill.
Icc-cricket
Icc-cricket
Key Stats at a Glance
Shubman Gill's Test career runs
1893 runs
Icc-cricket
Shubman Gill's Test batting average
35.05 average
Icc-cricket
Shubman Gill's Test matches played
32 matches
Icc-cricket

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Section 2 background
Background Context

Kohli retires; Shastri urges patience for Gill

Key Facts
  • Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket last month after scoring 9,230 runs including 30 centuries in his career.Mint
  • Former coach Ravi Shastri advised Gill to exercise patience and composure as he takes on the challenging role of Test captain.Icc-cricket
Key Stats at a Glance
Virat Kohli's Test career runs
9,230 runs
Mint
Virat Kohli's Test centuries
30 centuries
Mint
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