Virat Kohli to captain India's Test team again? BCCI to announced shocking India Test squad on..

Virat Kohli is reportedly interested in leading the India National Cricket Team in the upcoming five-match Test series in England. However, the BCCI and the Indian selectors are not going to entertain the “senior player’s” desire, as they are very clear about grooming a young talent like Shubman Gill.

There’s growing talk about Rohit Sharma’s future as India’s Test captain. While Rohit has shown interest in leading the team on the England tour, nothing has been confirmed yet. The Indian selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar is expected to pick the squad for the England tour in the second week of May 2025.

However, one of the biggest talking points right now is about who will lead the India National Cricket Team in the upcoming five-match series in England. Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah were the captain and vice-captain during the Australia tour, but they may not continue this time.

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Virat Kohli keen to lead India on England tour, but BCCI backs Shubman Gill

Rohit Sharma's position as Test captain is still under the clouds given his poor performances both as captain and player against New Zealand and Australia, while Jasprit Bumrah has just returned from the back injury that he sustained in Australia and missed the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 triumph.

As reported by Times of India, another senior player also showed interest in taking over the captaincy, sensing that there might be a leadership gap. However, the BCCI didn’t consider this request, as their focus is now on preparing a younger player to take on the role in the long term.

The BCCI seems keen on building a team for the future, and Shubman Gill is leading the race. It is being said that the senior player, who was already India captain, has expressed his interest to lead India on the England tour but didn’t get the green signal.

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There can't be any stopgap solutions: BCCI to Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli had led India in the final Test at the SCG after Bumrah was ruled out of the match. Since the sources didn’t reveal the name, he could be either Kohli or Bumrah, but the Indian think tank is looking at the young player to groom him for the future.

Now, the BCCI is reportedly looking at Shubman Gill as a future leader. He is already vice-captain in ODIs and T20Is and may now be given a similar role in the Test team too. The first Test in England begins on June 20, and the cricket world can see a new Test captain for India.

A source close to the development was quoted as saying by Times of India, “A new WTC cycle is starting. The future and continuity have to be kept in mind as far as the team is concerned. Even coach Gautam Gambhir would want a set of players he is likely to work with for an extended period. There can't be any stopgap solutions for such an important series. The last two Test series haven't been ideal for the team, and the England series is very crucial.”

BCCI wants to make Shubman Gill the new face of Indian cricket

Furthermore, the BCCI is looking at Shubman Gill as more than just a good cricketer and future leader. They see Gill as someone who can be the new face of Indian cricket. He is very popular with brands and sponsors, and he’s also doing well on the field.

Gill’s captaincy in the ongoing IPL 2025 for Gujarat Titans has caught the attention of the top BCCI officials. What’s impressed them the most is that leading the team hasn’t affected his batting at all—he’s still performing well with the bat as well. There are high chances of him getting the Test captaincy on the England tour.

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