Gill appointed India Test captain, unfit Shami ruled out of England Tests

MUMBAI, May 24(PTI): Batting star Shubman Gill was on Saturday entrusted with India's Test leadership to steer through a "massive transition" phase with the swashbuckling Rishabh Pant as his deputy for next month's tour of England that is expected to be nothing short of a trial by fire.

At 25 years of age, Gill will be India's fifth youngest Test captain after Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi (21), Sachin Tendulkar (23), Kapil Dev (24) and Ravi Shastri (25). The five-match series against England will begin on June 20 in Leeds.

"Last year or so we have looked at Shubman (for leadership). We are hopeful he is the guy who is going (to take the team forward). It is a high pressure job but he is a terrific player. We wish him all the best," said chief selector Ajit Agarkar after announcing the 18-member squad, which offered no major surprises.