ENG vs IND 2025: Ajit Agarkar backs Shubman Gill as long-term leadership option

Published - 24 May 2025, 20:24 IST | Updated - 24 May 2025, 20:43 IST

BCCI's chief selector Ajit Agarkar expressed his views on appointing Shubman Gill as the full-time skipper of the Test team. Gill was announced as Rohit Sharma's successor after the latter recently hung up his boots in the longest format of the game. According to Agarkar, the BCCI had their eyes on Shubman for a leadership role since 2024.

“Last year or so, we have looked at Shubman (for leadership). We are hopeful he is the guy who is going (to take the team forward). It is a high-pressure job, but he is a terrific player. We wish him all the best," shared Agarkar during the press conference held in Mumbai at the BCCI's headquarters on Saturday, May 24.

While the former Indian cricketer admitted that the job will be challenging, he was hopeful for the best from Gill's end based on his observations from past experiences.

“You want to name a captain who can help the team going forward rather than having someone for one or two tours. It is going to be as tough as it gets, maybe he will learn on the job, but we have seen what he can do and that is the reason we picked him, he explained, added Agarkar.

Prior to being appointed India's full-time Test skipper, Gill had gained valuable exposure by being closely associated with Rohit. Gill has also been leading Gujarat Titans since the past couple of seasons in the Indian Premier League.

Agarkar explains why Bumrah was not named Test captain

The Gill-led side will commence the five-match series on June 20 in Leeds. Filling Rohit's boots will be understandably a huge task, but it will be one which the 25-year-old will take on as an opportunity to shine.