India’s Test team enters a new phase with Shubman Gill appointed as the 37th captain of the side. The BCCI made the announcement following a selection meeting in Mumbai ahead of the five-Test series against England starting June 20 at Headingley. Rishabh Pant has been named vice-captain for the tour.
At 25, Gill replaces Rohit Sharma, who stepped down from red-ball duties earlier this year. While he has already led India in T20Is and captains Gujarat Titans in the IPL, this marks his first major leadership role in Test cricket. Gill’s selection ahead of Jasprit Bumrah, who has previously led the team in three Tests, signals the board’s intention to prepare for the long term. At just 25, Gill becomes one of the youngest players to take over the captaincy in recent years.
As Gill steps into the leadership spotlight, public curiosity has turned toward his personal life — including a unique nickname that has drawn attention for sounding like a global football star or a famous singer.
“I’ve been called Kaka at home ever since I was little,” he shared. This affectionate name stuck with him through the years and is often heard in personal circles. While some fans outside India may have speculated about a connection to celebrities due to the phonetic similarity, the reality is far simpler.
Gill also shared the story behind his jersey number, 77. He initially wanted to wear number 7 but since it was unavailable, he opted for 77, essentially doubling his first choice. In the same conversation, he opened up about his cricketing inspirations—idolizing Sachin Tendulkar during his formative years and currently considering Virat Kohli his favorite cricketer of this generation.
Sunil Gavaskar recently gave Gill a new moniker—“Smoothman Gill.” Responding to this, Gill said he had no objection to the nickname and seemed to appreciate the light-hearted gesture.
Leadership Experience and Recent Form
Though he lacks substantial leadership experience in the longest format, Gill has led India in T20Is, including a five-match series in Zimbabwe in 2024. He has also captained Gujarat Titans in the IPL and served as vice-captain in both ODIs and T20Is. Notably, he was deputy to Rohit Sharma during India’s Champions Trophy win in the UAE in early 2025.
In Tests, Gill has represented India in 32 matches and scored 1,893 runs, including five centuries. However, his overseas record, particularly in SENA countries and the West Indies, remains a concern. Since his iconic 91 in Brisbane in 2021, he has failed to reach a half-century in these regions, with only 559 runs from 13 matches at an average of 25.
Gill takes charge at a time of transition for Indian cricket. The selectors appear to be making forward-looking choices, both in leadership and team composition. Mohammed Shami was excluded due to fitness concerns, while young talents like Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh have received their maiden Test call-ups.
Abhimanyu Easwaran, who has consistently been around the squad, continues to get opportunities. Senior bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj remain in the fold, bringing experience to an evolving side.
As Gill steps into this high-pressure role, questions remain over whether the timing is right. But with the team undergoing a generational shift, the management seems to be building a new core with Gill at its center.
At 25, Gill replaces Rohit Sharma, who stepped down from red-ball duties earlier this year. While he has already led India in T20Is and captains Gujarat Titans in the IPL, this marks his first major leadership role in Test cricket. Gill’s selection ahead of Jasprit Bumrah, who has previously led the team in three Tests, signals the board’s intention to prepare for the long term. At just 25, Gill becomes one of the youngest players to take over the captaincy in recent years.
As Gill steps into the leadership spotlight, public curiosity has turned toward his personal life — including a unique nickname that has drawn attention for sounding like a global football star or a famous singer.
The Origins of 'Kaka' and Other Nicknames
Despite sounding similar to the name of Brazilian football legend Kaká, Shubman Gill’s nickname “Kaka” has no musical or football connection. It is actually a common Punjabi term meaning “baby” or “young boy.” In an earlier interview, Gill explained that the nickname has been used by his family since childhood, especially by his mother.“I’ve been called Kaka at home ever since I was little,” he shared. This affectionate name stuck with him through the years and is often heard in personal circles. While some fans outside India may have speculated about a connection to celebrities due to the phonetic similarity, the reality is far simpler.
Gill also shared the story behind his jersey number, 77. He initially wanted to wear number 7 but since it was unavailable, he opted for 77, essentially doubling his first choice. In the same conversation, he opened up about his cricketing inspirations—idolizing Sachin Tendulkar during his formative years and currently considering Virat Kohli his favorite cricketer of this generation.
Sunil Gavaskar recently gave Gill a new moniker—“Smoothman Gill.” Responding to this, Gill said he had no objection to the nickname and seemed to appreciate the light-hearted gesture.
Leadership Experience and Recent Form
Though he lacks substantial leadership experience in the longest format, Gill has led India in T20Is, including a five-match series in Zimbabwe in 2024. He has also captained Gujarat Titans in the IPL and served as vice-captain in both ODIs and T20Is. Notably, he was deputy to Rohit Sharma during India’s Champions Trophy win in the UAE in early 2025.In Tests, Gill has represented India in 32 matches and scored 1,893 runs, including five centuries. However, his overseas record, particularly in SENA countries and the West Indies, remains a concern. Since his iconic 91 in Brisbane in 2021, he has failed to reach a half-century in these regions, with only 559 runs from 13 matches at an average of 25.
Gill takes charge at a time of transition for Indian cricket. The selectors appear to be making forward-looking choices, both in leadership and team composition. Mohammed Shami was excluded due to fitness concerns, while young talents like Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh have received their maiden Test call-ups.
Abhimanyu Easwaran, who has consistently been around the squad, continues to get opportunities. Senior bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj remain in the fold, bringing experience to an evolving side.
As Gill steps into this high-pressure role, questions remain over whether the timing is right. But with the team undergoing a generational shift, the management seems to be building a new core with Gill at its center.
