• The BCCI has ushered in a new era by naming Shubman Gill as the captain for the upcoming five-Test series in England

  • BCCI also announced Rishabh Pant as the vice-captain of the Indian squad.

Fans lash out at BCCI for naming Shubman Gill as India’s new Test captain ahead of England series
Fans lash out at BCCI for naming Shubman Gill as India's new Test captain (Image source: X)

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has ushered in a new era by naming Shubman Gill as the captain for the upcoming five-Test series in England, succeeding Rohit Sharma, who retired from the format after a disappointing season. While the move signals a generational shift and a bold new direction for Indian cricket, it has sparked a wave of criticism and debate among fans and pundits, many of whom believe the decision is fraught with risk and missed opportunities.

Why fans are unhappy after Shubman Gill as the new Test captain of India?

The announcement of Gill, just 25 and relatively inexperienced in red-ball leadership, has left a significant section of the cricketing public unimpressed. Many fans took to social media to question the BCCI’s rationale, especially given Gill’s modest overseas Test record, an average of 27.53 away from home compared to 42.03 in India, and his lack of captaincy experience in the longer format. Critics argue that with established leaders like Jasprit Bumrah and KL Rahul in the squad, and Rishabh Pant named as vice-captain, Gill’s elevation feels premature and potentially destabilizing for a team entering a crucial World Test Championship cycle.

Several supporters voiced concerns about overlooking Bumrah, who had successfully captained the side in Australia when Rohit was unavailable, and whose tactical acumen has been widely praised. However, BCCI insiders cited workload management as a reason for not handing the full-time role to the pace spearhead, who is expected to miss some matches in the upcoming cycle. Others lamented the lack of continuity, with both Rohit and Virat Kohli, stalwarts of Indian cricket, retiring from Tests, leaving a leadership vacuum that some feel Gill may not yet be ready to fill.

Also READ: BCCI announces India’s Test squad for England tour, names new captain and vice-captain

Here’s how fans reacted:

The weight of expectations and the path ahead for Gill

Despite the backlash, the BCCI and chief selector Ajit Agarkar have defended the decision, emphasizing Gill’s leadership potential and his calm, mature approach, which has been evident in his stints as T20I captain and as the leader of Gujarat Titans in the IPL. Supporters of the move see it as a forward-thinking gamble, banking on Gill’s talent and temperament to guide a relatively young squad through a transitional phase.

Still, the pressure on Gill is immense. He becomes India’s youngest Test captain since Kohli took charge in 2014, and inherits a team with high expectations and a demanding schedule—starting with a tough tour of England, where Indian batters have historically struggled. The absence of experienced campaigners like Rohit, Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin means Gill must quickly earn the trust of both senior players and fans, while also addressing his own inconsistencies abroad.

The coming months will be a litmus test for both Gill and the BCCI’s vision. If Gill rises to the occasion, he could cement his legacy as a transformative leader. If not, the criticism from fans may only intensify, and the decision could haunt Indian cricket’s powerbrokers for years to come.

Also READ: List of youngest spinners to take 50 Test wickets ft. Shoaib Bashir and Harbhajan Singh

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About the Author:
AKASH THAPA
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.