Shubman, Jasprit, Rishabh set to spearhead India's Test transition

Indian selectors set to name a new-look team with Gill frontrunner to take over as Test captain

- Rasesh Mandani

MUMBAI: The change that Indian cricket has been sitting on the cusp of for a while now is finally upon it and the upcoming tour of England will mark several new beginnings for India's Test scene. They will have a new captain, a new No.4 and a new specialist spinner.

On Saturday, Ajit Agarkar, who has now been at the helm of the selection committee for close to two years, is expected to ring in the team transition and take decisions that will chart India's course in the new World Test Championship cycle (2025-27) and beyond.

When the selectors meet in Mumbai, most of these decisions will be a culmination of informal back-room deliberations that have gone on over the past two months. Shubman Gill, 25, has already been sounded out by Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir about the captaincy situation. Not all experts agree with the idea—primarily because he is yet to realise his full batting potential—but the selectors appear convinced that Gill, India's T20I and ODI vice-captain, is the man for the long term. Rishabh Pant is in line to be named deputy.

A churn was inevitable after many of the seniors struggled in Australia. R Ashwin and Rohit retired before they could be axed. Virat Kohli's exit was less anticipated. The right-hander's Test retirement has created a giant vacuum at No.4.