The Test series against England next will be a significant shift for Team India. For the first time in years, India will feature in a Test match without Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the playing XI. Rohit had retired from Test cricket last week, and now Kohli has also retired from the game. With both the veteran players out, a new chapter in Indian Test cricket starts. Sources indicate that Shubman Gill is set to be appointed as the new Test captain. But this will not be a cakewalk. Gill has some daunting tasks to accomplish before the crucial England tour next month. 4 Big Challenges Gill May Face as India’s Next Test Captain Bridging the Gap Left by Rohit and Kohli The greatest challenge will be to replace two legends, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. They were the backbone of India's Test batting for many years. Playing without them, particularly in challenging English conditions, will not be an easy task. Gill, being the new captain, will have to identify new players who can rise to the occasion and perform under pressure. Also Read | WATCH: Virat Kohli’s final walk in whites Dealing with Captaincy and Batting Simultaneously Gill will be leading the team, which is a huge responsibility. He will be facing a powerful England team in his very first series as captain. Additionally, his own Test career in England is not impressive. Gill's Stats in England (Tests): Matches: 3 Runs: 88 Average: 14.66 50s/100s: 0/0 In six innings, he has failed to even score 100 runs. So, he will have to concentrate on scoring runs and also on leading the team successfully. Also, Gill has not scored a century outside Asia yet. With English conditions offering immense challenge to Gill as a batter, the youngster will also have to balance it with the captaincy as well. Also Read | Kohli & Rohit's Most Unforgettable Stump Mic Moments in Test Cricket Getting an Ideal Bowing Pair for Bumrah During the recent Australian tour, India's lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah didn't receive much support from the other bowlers. Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, and Akash Deep showed some talent but lacked consistency. To add on the trouble, Mohammed Shami's availability is uncertain for England tour due to fitness issues. Gill needs to identify which bowlers will be able to back Bumrah if India wishes to emerge victorious in this 5-match Test series. The series also counts towards the World Test Championship 2025-27, so it is crucial to have the bowling combination correct. Who Will Bat Where? In Rohit's absence, Yashasvi Jaiswal will probably open the innings for India in whites. KL Rahul can also be chosen as an opener with Jaiswal, with a superior average of 35.03 compared to Gill's 32.37 when opening the innings. Gill, however, has performed better while batting at number 3, so placing him in that position could be a good decision. However, If Rahul opens, India would lack experience in the middle order, which can prove dangerous in overseas conditions. Therefore, Gill has to carefully plan the batting order to ensure India remains solid.