Shubman Gill Set to Lead India in Tests; Sudharsan and Karun Nair In Contention For Squad. India is ready for a shift in leadership in Test cricket, with Shubman Gill likely to be appointed captain in advance of the forthcoming five-match Test series against England, beginning June 20 at Headingley, Leeds. The appointment, which will be announced when the squad is released on May 24, marks a significant transition in leadership following Virat Kohli’s retirement from Tests.
He has been seen as a potentially long-term captaincy option. Gill’s cool temperament, form with the bat, and experience across formats make him a natural successor. In addition to captaincy duties, Gill is expected to inherit the No. 4 batting position, taking over from Kohli.
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In the meantime, KL Rahul looks likely to return as an opening batsman. This would create experience and balance in the batting line-up, especially in difficult conditions in England. Rahul, who has been in good touch in white-ball cricket, is seen as a steady partner for young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Two names generating excitement for potential selection are Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair. Sai, who has scored a whopping 638 runs in this IPL season, has shown selectors why he should be considered as a reliable player with consistency and temperament. On the other hand, Nair has scored over 1,600 runs this domestic season. Unlike Sudharsan, he has had an excellent resurgence in the game, and he is vying for a middle-order selection.
This is the first overseas challenge India will face and the start of a new World Test Championship cycle, and it will be interesting to see Gill’s leadership and if this new combination of youth and experience can be adjusted accordingly.
