Who Is Next Test Captain of India? Top 3 Names in BCCI’s Consideration

Rohit Sharma’s sudden decision to retire from Test cricket has got everyone talking about who will take charge next, especially with the important five-match series against England just around the corner. Many thought Jasprit Bumrah would be the new Test captain, but according to a Hindustan Times report, Shubman Gill is likely to get the role. If that happens, he’ll also lead the team on the England tour a big moment for the young batter.

Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket through an Instagram story, saying, "Hello everyone, I would just like to share that I am retiring from Test cricket. It’s been an absolute honour to represent my country in whites. Thank you for all the love and support over the years."

With India’s next Test assignment being a five-match series against England starting June 20, Rohit’s exit has left a big gap in the team’s leadership. While Jasprit Bumrah has led the side before stepping in during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy his injury history makes him a less likely choice for the full-time captaincy role.

Shubman Gill: The Top Contender to Lead India in Test Cricket’s New Era

As per a Hindustan Times report, the selection committee is eyeing 25-year-old Shubman Gill as a strong contender for the Test captaincy. However, the final decision will come after the Ajit Agarkar-led committee has a discussion with the BCCI’s top officials. With the England series kicking off a new World Test Championship cycle it makes sense for the committee to go with a younger captain like Gill, who can lead the team through this fresh phase and for the long haul.

Shubman Gill still needs to prove himself overseas his best away performance was his debut series in Australia back in 2020–21, but most of his big scores have come at home. In 32 Tests so far, he’s scored 1,893 runs at an average of 35.05, including five hundreds and seven fifties. Yet in that Australian series he managed just 93 runs over five innings, with a top score of 31 in Adelaide.

Rohit Sharma even skipped the Sydney Test against Australia because he wasn’t happy with his form. During his time as captain, India suffered back-to-back series losses first to New Zealand at home, then to Australia away.

Even after skipping the Sydney Test, Rohit Sharma had said he still wanted to play on, but with the England tour just a month away he’s decided to hang up his Test boots. He really came into his own after moving up to opener under Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri, and it’s been quite a journey in whites. Rohit Sharma featured in 67 Test matches for India, scoring 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57.

3 Possible Replacements for Rohit Sharma as India’s Test Captain

1. Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill has played 32 Tests for India, scoring 1,893 runs at an average of 35.05. He’s already led India in T20Is and captains the Gujarat Titans in the IPL, where they’re eyeing a playoff spot in 2025. A Punjab native, Gill is a top pick to become India’s next Test skipper his experience leading in domestic cricket and the IPL should help him step up smoothly.

2. KL Rahul

KL Rahul is another strong contender for India’s Test captaincy, bringing plenty of experience and calmness under pressure. The Bengaluru-born keeper-batter has featured in 58 Tests, scoring 3,257 runs at an average of 33.57, and recently put in solid performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. His adaptability batting anywhere in the order along with prior captaincy stints, makes him a best choice to lead India’s red-ball side.

3. Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah has already captained India in Tests stepping in during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and even steering the side to a win in the first Test against Australia. In 45 matches, he’s taken 205 wickets at an outstanding average of 19.40, earning a reputation as one of the best bowlers of his generation. With that kind of experience, skill and his knack for match-winning performances, Bumrah definitely makes a strong case to take on India’s Test captaincy.