Strange selection, says Manjrekar; Irfan, Harbhajan congratulate Gill

New Delhi: Former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar on Saturday described India's 18-strong Test squad for the tour of England as "strange" but asked for a patient approach towards newly-appointed Test captain Shubman Gill.

India will play five Tests against England starting June 20, and batting star Gill has been handed the responsibility to steer the team during a "massive transition" phase following the retirement of top stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

"Strange team selection overall. But India go to England with nothing to lose. It’s a team in transition so we can only wish it the very best & yes, be patient when it comes to returns on investment.#indianteam," Manjrekar, a former batter, wrote on his 'X' handle without explaining the reasons for his observation.

Strange team selection overall. But India go to England with nothing to lose. It’s a team in transition so we can only wish it the very best & yes, be patient when it comes to returns on investment. 👍#indianteam

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) May 24, 2025

Young left-hander Sai Sudharsan and the seasoned Karun Nair have been brought in to replace Rohit and Kohli, while left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh has also earned his maiden Test call-up.

Congratulating the team, former seam-allounder Irfhan Pathan wrote: "Many Congratulations to Sai Sudarshan, Arshdeep Singh, Karun Nair for being selected for the ultimate format and the challenging English summer.

"Congratulations to Shubman Gill for being appointed as Indian test captain. But surely team India is going to miss Mohammed Shami’s services in those conditions."

Many Congratulations to Sai Sudarshan, Arshdeep Singh, Karun Nair for being selected for the ultimate format and the challenging English summer. Congratulations to Shubman Gill for being appointed as Indian test captain. But surely team India is going to miss Mohammed Shami’s…

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) May 24, 2025

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).

"Congratulations @ShubmanGill. Good luck in England," wrote former India spinner Harbhajan Singh.

Congratulations @ShubmanGill Good luck in England 🏏♠️🧿 https://t.co/lvkcSiqGMk

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) May 24, 2025

The IPL franchises also took to social media to congratulate Gill.

"Congratulations Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant, it’s your time to shine the brighTEST. Go on, build your legacy, and turn dreams into reality!" tweeted Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗘𝗿𝗮 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘄! 🇮🇳🤍

Congratulations Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant, it’s your time to shine the brighTEST. Go on, build your legacy, and turn dreams into reality! 🤌#PlayBold#ನಮ್ಮRCB#ENGvINDpic.twitter.com/uOV9lvojdb

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 24, 2025

Chennai Super Kings wrote: "From Next Gen to The Next Captain. Shubman Gill leads India into a new Test chapter!"

From Next Gen to The Next Captain.🇮🇳
Shubman Gill leads India into a new Test chapter! 👏 #ENGvIND#WhistlePodupic.twitter.com/p3AeOv3zyK

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 24, 2025

Gill's IPL franchise, Gujarat Titans, which he led to the playoffs this season, also congratulated him.

"Ek naye Test era ka-aarambh! Our Captain, now #TeamIndia’s Test Skipper!"

Ek naye Test era ka 𝐒𝐡𝐮𝐛-aarambh! 🇮🇳

Our Captain, now #TeamIndia’s Test Skipper! 💙 pic.twitter.com/hYYjEn3G1Z

— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) May 24, 2025