Former England captain Michael Vaughan feels that appointing the 25-year-old Shubman Gill as India’s Test captain, ahead of the five-Test series against England, is a “bold move” following the retirements of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from the red-ball format. 

Gill will lead India in their first assignment of the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle in England, starting on June 20 in Leeds. With the sudden Test retirements of Rohit and Kohli last month, India’s batting attack will pretty much be spearheaded by Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul and Pant.

Vaughan said Gill has a task to prove himself on foreign soil, adding that he has the temperament to rise on big occasions. “Well, it’s official — Gill is the new face of Indian Test cricket, stepping up as captain for the England series. It’s a bold move, trusting a young leader with a new-look team after the retirements of giants like Rohit and Kohli. Gill’s got plenty to prove, especially away from home, but he’s shown he’s got the temperament for big moments,” said Vaughan.