Shubman Gill Poised for Test Vice-Captaincy as Leadership Dynamics Shift Ahead of England Series: Report

As India gears up for the high-stakes five-Test series against England, set to begin on June 20, major changes could be on the horizon within the team's leadership group. According to a report by The Times of India, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is expected to finalize the squad in the second week of May, with leadership roles being a key point of deliberation.

UNCERTAINTY SURROUNDS ROHIT-BUMRAH LEADERSHIP DUO

Captain Rohit Sharma and his deputy Jasprit Bumrah, who have helmed the Test side in recent years, are facing growing uncertainty regarding their roles. Rohit, who led the team during the recent series in Australia, endured a poor run with the bat scoring just 31 runs in three Tests and missed the final match in Sydney. In his absence, Bumrah took over the captaincy, but frequent injury setbacks have since limited his participation.

Given the inconsistency in both form and fitness, the BCCI appears to be reconsidering the leadership framework for the upcoming tour.

SHUBMAN GILL EMERGES AS STRONG LEADERSHIP CONTENDER

25-year-old Shubman Gill has emerged as a frontrunner for the vice-captaincy role in Tests. Already holding the vice-captain position in both ODIs and T20Is, Gill is reportedly being considered for a similar responsibility in red-ball cricket, as part of a broader strategy to establish a more future-oriented leadership core.

“There’s a new World Test Championship cycle starting. Continuity and long-term planning are critical. Coach Gautam Gambhir is likely to want a group he can work with consistently. Stop-gap solutions won’t work in such an important series,” a source close to the developments said.

FOCUS ON LONG-TERM VISION OVER SHORT-TERM FIXES

While Rohit Sharma remains interested in continuing as captain, the BCCI has not made any formal confirmation about his role for the England tour. In parallel, a senior player has reportedly expressed interest in reclaiming leadership duties, sensing an opportunity amid the current uncertainty. However, the board is said to be prioritizing forward-looking decisions rather than reverting to past leadership options.

GILL'S TEST FORM UNDER THE MICROSCOPE

Though Gill is regarded as a promising leader, his Test performances, particularly overseas, are still a work in progress. With 1,893 runs in the format, a significant portion (1,177 runs) has come on home soil. In contrast, his output abroad (649 runs) has been modest, highlighting a gap he'll be expected to close during the England tour.

Gill also requested to bat at No. 3 in the Test lineup but has yet to establish consistency in that position. The England series is likely to serve as a critical test not just of his leadership mettle but also of his ability to deliver under pressure in challenging conditions.

BEYOND THE FIELD: GILL’S RISING INFLUENCE

Gill’s appeal isn't limited to the cricket pitch. Off the field, he has become a marketing magnet, attracting numerous brand endorsements. His leadership stint with the Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2025 season has drawn praise, with observers noting how he balanced captaincy duties without compromising his batting performance.

This combination of cricketing promise, commercial appeal, and maturity under pressure has strengthened his case in the eyes of selectors and BCCI officials.

A DEFINING SERIES AHEAD

While no official announcement has been made yet, multiple sources suggest that Shubman Gill’s elevation to a leadership role in the Test setup is imminent. As India eyes redemption in the new WTC cycle, the England series could well become a defining chapter in Gill’s journey—both as a cricketer and a leader.