Not Bumrah Pant to Become Vice Captain Under Shubman Gill for England Series
As India prepares to host England for a high-stakes five-match Test series starting June 20, 2025, the spotlight is not just on the cricketing rivalry but also on significant leadership changes in the Indian Test setup. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is all set to usher in a new era in red-ball cricket with Shubman Gill as captain and Rishabh Pant as vice-captain, according to a PTI report.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the developments, what it means for Team India, and the legacy being left behind by senior players.
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1. Rohit Sharma Steps Down: End of an Era
Rohit Sharma, India’s red-ball captain since 2022, has reportedly announced his retirement from Test cricket ahead of the England series. Under his leadership, India reached the World Test Championship Final in 2023 and maintained their unbeaten home record. His departure leaves a massive void at the top of the order and in leadership.
With over 3,700 Test runs and several memorable innings, Rohit Sharma walks away as one of India’s most successful openers in the red-ball format in recent years.
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2. Bumrah To Remain A Player, But No Vice-Captaincy Role
Jasprit Bumrah, who served as vice-captain under Rohit in previous series, will only play as a senior bowler in the upcoming series. A BCCI source stated that Bumrah’s leadership responsibilities will be minimized, citing both his fitness concerns and the logic that if he isn’t chosen as captain, there’s little value in keeping him as a deputy.
Despite being a world-class pacer, Bumrah’s injury record makes him an unreliable long-term leadership option. The management is likely opting for stability with players who can feature across all five Tests.
3. Shubman Gill to Lead India in Test Cricket
In a bold but calculated move, BCCI is reportedly set to name Shubman Gill as India’s new Test captain. At just 25 years of age, Gill becomes one of the youngest to lead India in red-ball cricket, marking the dawn of a new generation in Indian Test cricket.
Gill has shown maturity beyond his years in his short career so far, and his technique and temperament make him an ideal long-term candidate. This move signals the BCCI’s intent to invest in youth and groom leadership for the future.
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4. Rishabh Pant’s Fairytale Return with Vice-Captaincy
One of the biggest comebacks in Indian cricket in recent years is undoubtedly that of Rishabh Pant. After surviving a life-threatening car accident and enduring over a year of rehabilitation, Pant made a stunning return to IPL 2025, where he impressed with both the bat and behind the stumps.
Now, BCCI is reportedly ready to entrust him with Test vice-captaincy duties, highlighting their faith in his leadership potential and match-winning abilities. Pant’s record in overseas Tests — centuries in England, Australia, and South Africa — has made him a trusted name in foreign conditions.
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5. Why Pant Over Bumrah as Vice-Captain?
The decision to appoint Pant over Bumrah seems rooted in strategic planning. As per PTI, BCCI believes Pant brings not just fitness and form but also an aggressive mindset and the ability to influence games with the bat.
Additionally, Pant’s fitness has improved significantly, and his ability to play all five Tests without much workload-related concern makes him a safer bet. His past captaincy experience with Delhi Capitals and natural leadership instincts also make him a suitable deputy.
6. Virat Kohli Likely to Exit Test Cricket
In what could be the most heartbreaking news for Indian fans, Virat Kohli has reportedly informed the BCCI of his decision to quit Test cricket. If true, Kohli will bow out as India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in Test history with:
• 123 Tests
• 9,230 runs
• Average: 46.85
• 30 centuries, 31 fifties
Kohli made his debut in 2011 and transformed India into a dominant Test force, especially abroad. Under his captaincy, India claimed the No.1 ICC Test ranking for multiple years and even reached the inaugural WTC final in 2021.
After Rohit and Virat Another Senior Indian Cricketer Test Future in Jeopardy
7. India vs England Test Series Schedule & Expectations
The five-match Test series between India and England is set to begin from June 20, 2025. The full squad announcement is expected on May 16 or 17, while the India A team will be named earlier to assist with bench strength and injury backup.
With a young leadership duo in Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant, India will be aiming to maintain their home dominance, even as England, led by Ben Stokes, look to challenge with their aggressive “Bazball” brand of cricket.
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8. What This Means for Indian Test Cricket’s Future
This leadership shift marks the beginning of a transition phase for Indian red-ball cricket. The likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepping away opens the door for the next generation to take charge. With Gill, Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Mohammed Siraj as core players, Team India is building towards WTC 2025-27 cycle.
BCCI’s focus seems clear: build a sustainable, dynamic Test squad led by young leaders with multi-format experience and overseas success.
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Conclusion
The Test series against England will be a landmark event for Indian cricket — not just for the fierce competition, but for the symbolic passing of the torch. Shubman Gill’s appointment as captain and Rishabh Pant’s elevation to vice-captaincy highlight BCCI’s commitment to future-proofing the team.
If Virat Kohli indeed retires, his legacy will forever inspire Indian cricketers, while the new leadership will have the daunting task of continuing India’s Test dominance. June 20 will not just be the start of a Test series — it will be the beginning of a new chapter in Indian Test cricket.
