India Test Squad: Shubman Gill or Rishabh Pant to Lead in Landmark England Series, Squad Reveal Set for May 24

India's Test Team Faces a Turning Point As Captaincy Battle Heats Up

Get ready for a very different Indian Test squad, because the era of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli is over. This year, all eyes are on the BCCI's announcement scheduled for May 24, where a new-look squad will be revealed for the massively anticipated England tour. The bigger question: who gets the captain's armband? The spotlight is firmly on Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant, but Jasprit Bumrah is lurking just behind as a wild card.

Anyone following Indian cricket knows this is a big deal. For over a decade, Sharma and Kohli were the heartbeat of the dressing room—both in runs and leadership. Now, chief selector Ajit Agarkar and new head coach Gautam Gambhir need to steer the team into fresh territory. There's a lot at stake, from legacy to World Test Championship (WTC) points, but for fans, it's as much about who will step up as about who’s stepping out.

Gill vs Pant: Choosing the Face of a New Generation

Shubman Gill has quietly put together an impressive Test record, showing real maturity both with the bat and out in the field. His cool-headed style might be just what India needs to handle English conditions—no theatrics, lots of focus. Then there’s Rishabh Pant, who contrasts Gill in just about every way. Pant's comeback has been electric, and his bold, high-risk game often pulls India out of tricky spots. His energy could fire up a squad missing established names, but some worry about him balancing keeping duties, captaincy, and his attacking role with the bat.

Jasprit Bumrah, the ace pacer, is still in the mix too. He's already impressed as a stand-in captain overseas, but managing a full five-Test series can wear down even the toughest fast bowlers. The selectors have a real headache here—do they go for risk, safety, or something in between?

This squad announcement is more than just a list of names. The selectors are expected to go bold, possibly debuting the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan. Karun Nair could also return to the fold. These choices aren't just about replacing runs; they're about injecting new energy into a line-up looking to make its mark on English soil.

India's campaign in the fourth cycle of the World Test Championship starts right here. The challenge is huge: five matches in hostile conditions, starting with practice at Beckenham from June 13-16, then Tests at Headingley, Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval. The series runs from June 20 to August 4, and it's set to answer a lot of questions about where Indian cricket goes next.

There’s a real sense that this is a watershed moment. With familiar faces stepping down and hungry talent ready to fill the gap, the combination the selectors settle on could shape India's Test fortunes for years. For fans, it's not just about England vs India this summer—it's about discovering who will write the next chapter in Indian cricket’s history.

Author: Themba Sweet

I am a news journalist with a passion for writing about daily news in Africa. With over 20 years of experience in the field, I strive to deliver accurate and insightful stories. My work aims to inform and educate the public on the continent’s current affairs and developments.

11 Comments

Mark Archuleta said:

May 24, 2025 AT 05:34

Gill’s consistency in overseas conditions is underrated. He’s got the temperament to handle English swing and seam without overcomplicating things. Pant’s explosive style works in home conditions but England’s long spells? That’s a different beast. Bumrah as captain? High risk. He’s the engine, not the navigator. Pick Gill and let him build something stable.
Pete Thompson said:

May 24, 2025 AT 22:18

The real issue isn’t who captains-it’s why we’re still pretending that leadership is about batting averages. Leadership is about emotional intelligence, not stroke play. Gill’s calmness is performative, Pant’s chaos is authentic. But neither has faced the true test: managing dissent in a squad where egos are bigger than their contracts. We’re not choosing a captain, we’re choosing a scapegoat.
Richard Berry said:

May 25, 2025 AT 19:54

idk if anyone else is hyped for yashasvi jaiswal?? like he’s got that raw energy that reminds me of a young sehwag but with better footwork. and sai sudharsan?? bro he’s got that quiet confidence. if they throw him in at edgbaston and he holds his own, we might have our next great opener. also can we talk about how underrated gill’s cover drive is?? pure poetry
Sandy Everett said:

May 26, 2025 AT 06:35

It’s important to remember that whoever leads this team needs space to grow. No one’s expecting them to be Kohli or Rohit overnight. Let’s support the decision, whatever it is, and give the new captain the room to make mistakes. Cricket’s not just about wins-it’s about building confidence in the next generation.
J Mavrikos said:

May 27, 2025 AT 15:30

Pant’s got the spark but Gill’s got the blueprint. England’s going to bowl 120 overs a day at you. You need someone who doesn’t crack under pressure. Gill’s like a Swiss watch-precise, quiet, reliable. Pant’s a fireworks show. Beautiful to watch but you can’t count on it lighting up the whole sky.
Stuart Sandman said:

May 27, 2025 AT 16:30

Let’s be real-this whole ‘new generation’ nonsense is a distraction. The BCCI is terrified of losing control. They’re terrified of a captain who actually thinks for himself. Gill’s too polite, Pant’s too loud. That’s why they’ll pick someone safe. And when the team collapses in the third Test, guess who’ll get blamed? The selectors. Again.
DJ Paterson said:

May 29, 2025 AT 03:50

There’s a quiet dignity in Gill’s approach. He doesn’t need to shout to be heard. Pant thrives on chaos, but leadership isn’t about thriving-it’s about enduring. The English summer is long, cold, and unyielding. It doesn’t care if you’ve hit six sixes in an over. It cares if you show up, day after day, with discipline. That’s not just cricket. That’s character.
Nikhil nilkhan said:

May 30, 2025 AT 19:23

Bro, Gill is the guy we’ve been waiting for. He doesn’t need to be the flashiest. He just needs to be steady. I’ve seen him bat in Australia-no panic, no showboating. Just pure technique. And Pant? He’s a genius but he’s also a liability with gloves and bat and captaincy all at once. Bumrah? Too much pressure on his body. Gill’s the answer. Simple.
Damini Nichinnamettlu said:

May 31, 2025 AT 19:49

Pant will ruin this team. He’s a showman, not a leader. England will eat him alive. Gill is the only one who understands pressure without screaming. We don’t need drama. We need someone who can hold the line. This isn’t T20. This is Test cricket. And India needs to act like it.
Vinod Pillai said:

June 1, 2025 AT 23:23

Gill is the only logical choice. Pant’s injury history, his keeping, his temperament-too many red flags. Bumrah? He’s a bowler. Not a captain. The BCCI’s been lazy for years. Now they finally have to choose. Gill’s got the stats, the composure, the maturity. Stop overthinking it. Pick the guy who won’t let the team collapse in the 4th innings.
Avantika Dandapani said:

June 2, 2025 AT 02:47

I just hope whoever gets picked knows how much we believe in them. It’s not just about runs or wickets-it’s about carrying the hopes of millions who grew up watching cricket on dusty streets and flickering TVs. Gill’s quiet strength, Pant’s fire-it’s not a choice between two players. It’s a choice between two kinds of hope. And I just want them both to know… we’re behind them, no matter what.