Reports: Shubman Gill set to lead Team India in Tests

India’s talented opening batter Shubman Gill is all set to emerge as the new Indian Test captain, while the keeper-batter Rishabh Pant will take over as the new vice-captain of the national team in the longest format of the game.

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With Pant being one of India’s finest Test batters in overseas conditions, he would be an automatic choice to emerge as Team India’s vice-captain. Interestingly, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah couldn’t be considered for the position as he is still working on his full fitness. 

With an average of more than 42 and multiple centuries in Australia, England, and South Africa, and seven scores between 90 and 99 made Pant one of the best batters in this particular format.

"If Bumrah isn't the captain, then there is no point offering him vice-captaincy," a BCCI source told PTI.

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On the other hand, Virat Kohli’s retirement rumours have shaken the Indian cricketing fraternity. However, the BCCI officials want the talismanic batter to reconsider his decision and come back with his ultimate decision ahead of the England tour.

"It is true that selectors did think about having Kohli as India skipper for the England series. This would have given Gill some time to grow into a leadership role but at 25-and-a-half years of age, he is yet to hit his peak. Due to Bumrah's fitness issues, Gill looks like the obvious choice for Ajit Agarkar's committee," a BCCI source privy to development said.

Moreover, it’s important to note that keeper-batter KL Rahul isn’t being considered as a captaincy and vice-captaincy option as he is already 33 years old and he is not a consistent part of the Indian team in the longest format of the game.

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India is scheduled to tour England for a five-match Test series, starting on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds.

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