Shubman Gill is all set to make his Test captaincy debut as India embark on a new World Test Championship cycle with the England tour, starting June 20 in Leeds.

India’s Test captaincy post was vacant after Rohit Sharma’s sudden retirement from the longest format last month.

Even though Jasprit Bumrah had led India in a couple of Test matches in Rohit’s absence during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25, the selectors put their faith on Gill for the leadership role.

Ahead of the marquee series, wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav has backed Shubman Gill to excel as the new captain of the Test team

“Shubman knows how to lead a team," Kuldeep was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

“He has worked under the seniors in the last couple of years. In the last one year, you’d have seen him in a lot of discussions with Rohit bhai—not only in Tests but also even in ODIs. I’m sure he has learnt a lot, but as a leader, from what I have seen so far, he’s very motivated, and he’s been playing an active role in lifting the team."

“I have seen over the last three or four sessions that Shubman has the same qualities that I’ve seen in our previous leadership groups. He’s fully ready to lead us," he added.

Shubman Gill, who has played 32 Tests so far, will become the 37th player to lead India in the traditional format.

Speaking of Kuldeep, he will be India’s second-most experienced spinner after Ravindra Jadeja and will have big responsibilities on his shoulders in the England series.

Kuldeep said playing alongside Jadeja is a great honour for him, and he is learning a lot of tricks from him.

“Playing alongside Jadeja is such a great honour for me," Kuldeep said. “Obviously, Jadeja and [R] Ashwin have been brilliant over the last few years. When I made my debut in India, they helped me a lot. And even now, we have been having a lot of chat about how to bowl to certain batters, given the way the England batters are batting at the moment.

“I’m actually spending a lot of time with him, not only on the field but also outside as well. So it has actually helped me a lot in terms of tactics and the field placements, and he has given some tips as well."