Following Rohit Sharma's recent retirement from Test cricket, Shubman Gill is widely expected to be named as India's new Test captain. Rishabh Pant is likely to be appointed as the vice-captain.

Gill, who is 25 years old, has been identified as a long-term leadership prospect by the selectors. The selection committee, led by former Indian all-rounder Ajit Agarkar, believes that Gill is the ideal candidate to take over the Test captaincy. He has already captained the team in T20Is and has also led Gujarat Titans in the IPL. In 32 Test matches, Gill has scored 1,893 runs, including five centuries and seven half-centuries.

Pant's potential appointment as vice-captain is largely attributed to his impressive record in overseas conditions. He has centuries in Australia, England, and South Africa, and maintains an average of over 42. A source within the BCCI stated that if Jasprit Bumrah is not the captain, there is no point in offering him the vice-captaincy, seemingly solidifying Pant's chances. Bumrah has also faced fitness concerns, making him an uncertain choice for a full Test series.

The decision to appoint Gill as captain signals a strategic shift towards building a younger core within the Test team. The selection committee is looking for a long-term leader to guide the Indian side through the new World Test Championship cycle. While there was deliberation about asking Virat Kohli to captain the side for the upcoming series in England, the selectors ultimately decided to give Gill more time to develop in the role.

Gill's first assignment as Test captain is expected to be the five-match Test series in England, scheduled to begin in late June. The team for the England series is likely to be announced around May 16 or 17.

Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket via an Instagram post, stating that it was an honour to represent his country in the format.