Sat May 24 13:41:42 UTC 2025: **Gill Named Captain as India Embarks on Test Transition**

**Mumbai, India** – Shubman Gill has been appointed captain of the Indian Test team for the upcoming five-match tour of England, signaling a significant shift as the team enters a new era following the retirements of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin. Rishabh Pant will serve as his deputy.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar acknowledged the challenge of replacing such experienced players, stating, “When guys like that retire, there are always big holes to fill.” He emphasized the opportunity this presents for new talent to step up. Kohli informed the board in early April that he was no longer able to maintain the standard he had set for himself.

Veteran Karun Nair has earned a recall to the Test squad after seven years, selected over Sarfaraz Khan. Nair’s consistent domestic performance and prior experience in English conditions, including a county stint, were cited as key factors. Arshdeep Singh receives his maiden Test call-up, adding variety to the pace attack in Mohammed Shami’s absence due to fitness concerns.

Agarkar also expressed confidence in seam-bowling all-rounders Shardul Thakur and Nitish Kumar Reddy, while confirming that Shreyas Iyer does not currently fit into the Test team’s plans. The last time a test was played without Rohit, Kohli and Ashwin was on tour of England in 2011.

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