Shubman Gill Takes Charge as India's Youngest Test Captain Ahead of England Series
Shubman Gill's New Role as Test Captain
Shubman Gill, a prominent batter for Team India, is set to take on the role of Test captain during the upcoming series against England, commencing on June 20. He steps into this position following Rohit Sharma's retirement from Test cricket after being relieved of his captaincy duties prior to the England tour.
Gill's Selection and Leadership Transition
Despite competition from Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, and KL Rahul, Gill emerged as the leading candidate for the captaincy. At a recent press conference, the chief selector of the BCCI, Ajit Agarkar, announced Gill's appointment as captain, with Rishabh Pant serving as vice-captain for the tour. Gill, who previously led the Gujarat Titans to the IPL 2025 playoffs, will guide India through a transitional phase in Test cricket.
A Historic Milestone for Shubman Gill
With this appointment, Shubman Gill becomes the 37th captain of the Indian Test team and the youngest to hold this position in the 21st century.
MRF Bat Sparks Online Buzz
As he gears up for the crucial Test series, Gill's MRF bat has caught the eye of fans on social media. The 25-year-old signed a sponsorship deal with MRF ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025 match against Australia in March. The renowned tyre manufacturer approached him with an attractive bat sponsorship, recognizing his rapid rise in international cricket.
Transition from CEAT to MRF
Following his agreement with MRF, Gill ended his long-standing partnership with CEAT, which he had endorsed since his U19 days. He joins the ranks of legendary players like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Brian Lara, who have also used MRF bats.
Personalized Touch on His Bat
Interestingly, Gill customized the MRF sticker on his bat. Photos released by the BCCI show him with an Indian jersey and blazer, where fans noticed the 'Prince' inscription just below the MRF logo. This nickname reflects his potential as a future star in cricket, often seen as a successor to Virat Kohli, who is known as the 'King.'
Mixed Reactions from Fans
The image of Gill with the personalized 'Prince' tag quickly went viral, eliciting varied reactions from netizens. Many criticized him for his attachment to the 'Prince' label, pointing out that legends like Tendulkar and Kohli did not adorn their bats with such titles. Others questioned his performance in overseas Tests, suggesting he had yet to earn the right to such a moniker.
Performance Statistics and Upcoming Challenges
Shubman Gill has a respectable Test record away from home, accumulating 649 runs, including one century and two fifties, at an average of 29.50 over 24 innings. However, his performance in England has been less impressive, with only 88 runs at an average of 14.66 in six innings. The forthcoming Test series against England is pivotal for Gill, as he aims to demonstrate his leadership skills and solidify his position as a dependable top-order batter in challenging conditions.