For us Indians, the 3 Cs: cricket, crime, and celebrity hold a special place in our lives. Among them, cricket stands out as a national obsession. Whether it’s a gripping Test match or the thrill of the IPL, cricket is a constant topic of conversation in Indian households, especially around the dinner table. It runs through our veins and fills our dreams, which is why so many Indian kids grow up wanting to become cricketers.

In a significant development for Indian cricket, Shubman Gill has been appointed as the new Test captain, succeeding Rohit Sharma ahead of the five-match series in England starting June 20, 2025. Though this decision has sparked severe discussions among fans and experts, particularly regarding excluding players like Jasprit Bumrah and Shreyas Iyer from this crucial role.

Why Shubman Gill?

Gill's rise to captaincy just at the age of 25 has garnered a mixed reaction. Having led the Gujarat Titans in the IPL, Gill has selected leadership qualities that impressed the board members of the BCCI. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar highlighted Gill's maturity, leadership skills, and prodigious talent, stating that his experience in domestic cricket will help him to lead the national team. Gill also reacted on his new role:

To be able to get this opportunity is a great honour and it's a big responsibility. I'm looking forward to this exciting opportunity and the upcoming series against England is going to be an exciting one.

Former India coach Anil Kumble mentioned Gill possesses the capabilities of leading an IPL team as well as captaining the national side. Additionally, Kane Williamson, who played under Gill's captaincy at Gujarat Titans, praised his clear communication and described him as:

A special player who will be a fine leader as well.

Gill himself acknowledged the legacy of his predecessors, emphasizing the importance of discipline, hard work, and maintaining a supportive team environment. He aims to lead by example, drawing inspiration from former captains Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

Why Not Jasprit Bumrah?

Despite being the vice-captain and leading India in previous Tests, Jasprit Bumrah was not chosen as the new Test captain. The primary concern revolves around workload management. As India's premier fast bowler, adding the responsibilities of captaincy could risk overburdening him and potentially lead to injuries. Mohammad Kaif emphasized the need to preserve Bumrah's fitness and focus on his bowling and stated:

Don't kill the golden goose.

While some, like Sunil Gavaskar, have advocated for Bumrah's leadership potential. Bumrah reportedly supports the decision, understanding the motive behind it.

Reactions from Fans and Experts

The cricketing community has expressed a mix of support and skepticism regarding Gill's new role. Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif emphasized the importance of choosing a captain who can handle the pressures of leadership without compromising their primary role.

On social media platforms like Reddit, fans have shared varied opinions. One user commented:

Gill seems like a down-to-earth guy... everyone has said good things about him.

Another expressed concerns about his consistency in Test cricket, stating:

He needs to be criticized for his inconsistency... but I feel like the best of Gill is yet to come.

Looking Ahead

As India embarks on the new World Test Championship cycle, Gill's leadership will be under scrutiny. The upcoming series in England will serve as a test for his captaincy skills. With the support of experienced players and the backing of the cricketing board, Gill has the opportunity to shape the future of Indian Test cricket. We fans wish him All the best!

What's your opinion on his appointment for this new role? Let us know in the comments!

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