At just 25, Shubman Gill stepped into the spotlight as India’s Test captain in the first Test against England at Headingley, Leeds, starting June 20, 2025. It’s a big moment for Indian cricket, with Gill taking over from legends like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. As a fan, watching him lead feels like the start of something exciting. Here’s a look at how his captaincy debut is going, why it matters, and what challenges lie ahead.
A Dream Start with the Bat
Gill didn’t just lead the team—he led by example. In India’s first innings, he smashed a brilliant 147 runs off 227 balls, with 19 fours and a six. His century helped India post a solid 471, setting a strong foundation. It wasn’t just about the runs; Gill became the youngest Indian to score a fifty on Test captaincy debut, reaching it in just 56 balls. For a guy known for his elegant strokeplay, this was a statement: he’s here to play and lead.
As of June 24, 2025, the match is still on, with England chasing 371 runs, sitting at 21/0 after 6 overs. Gill’s knock has given India a fighting chance, but the game’s not over yet.
Stepping Up as Captain
Taking charge of a young Indian team in England’s tricky conditions is no joke. The swinging ball and England’s aggressive “Bazball” style are tough to handle, especially for a first-time Test captain. But Gill’s shown promise. His field placements have been smart, and he’s backed his bowlers well, with Jasprit Bumrah grabbing a five-wicket haul (5-83) in England’s first innings. Former coach Ravi Shastri praised Gill’s maturity, saying he’s learned from leading Gujarat Titans in the IPL, where he also won the Orange Cap in 2024.
Gill’s approach is calm but clear. He’s talked about keeping his batting and captaincy separate to avoid pressure, something he picked up from watching Rohit Sharma’s cool-headed leadership. He’s also focused on making his teammates feel secure, which is huge for a squad with new faces like Sai Sudharsan.
The Big Picture
Gill’s captaincy comes at a pivotal time. India missed the World Test Championship final after losses to New Zealand and Australia, so this five-Test series against England is a fresh start. Named captain in May 2025, Gill is India’s 37th Test skipper, with Rishabh Pant as his deputy. His Test record—1,893 runs in 32 matches—shows he’s a solid batsman, but his away average of 27.53 has raised questions about whether he’s ready for such a big role. Still, his T20I captaincy against Zimbabwe and IPL experience suggest he’s got the chops to grow into it.
Challenges Ahead
Leading in England is a beast. The weather, the pitches, and the opposition’s aggressive batting can test anyone. Gill’s got a young team to rally, and with four more Tests to come—at Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval—he’ll need to adapt fast. Some fans and experts wonder if the captaincy came too soon, but others see his youth as a strength, bringing fresh energy to a transitioning team.
Why It’s Exciting
As a fan, what’s thrilling about Gill’s debut is his potential. He’s not just a captain; he’s a batsman who can turn games around, and his 147 proved that. If he can balance his own performance with smart leadership, he could be the next big thing for India. The way he’s handled the pressure so far—batting big and making calm decisions—makes you want to root for him.
Shubman Gill’s Test captaincy debut is off to a cracking start. His century has set the tone, and his leadership looks promising, even if the jury’s still out until the match ends. With a tough series ahead, all eyes are on Gill to see if he can steer India to success.