Shubman Gill is the leading contender to lead the Indian men’s Test team after Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from the longest format on Wednesday (May 7), The Indian Express reported.

Rohit confirmed his retirement from Test cricket through a social media post. His decision comes days before the selection of India’s Test squad for the upcoming England tour.

“Hello everyone I would just like to share that I am retiring from Test cricket. It’s been an absolute honour to represent my country in whites. Thank you for all the love and support over the years,” Rohit said along with a photo of his Test cap in an Instagram Story.

According to the report, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is of the opinion that 25-year-old Gill is the ideal candidate to take over as Test captain. However, the selectors will discuss the same with the BCCI before making a formal announcement.

While Jasprit Bumrah captained India in a couple of Test matches during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, he is unlikely to be given a leadership role on the Test tour to England, starting June 20 in Leeds.

Bumrah may not play in all the five Tests in England due to workload management. Thus, the selectors had to explore another option.

“We want a player who will be available for all five Test matches and he (Bumrah) should be given the vice-captain’s role,” The Indian Express quoted sources as saying.

As per the report, the selectors also want someone to be groomed as a future leader and with a new Test cycle in place, the selection committee is looking for a long-term option and Gill certainly fits the bill.