Top 3 Captain or Vice-Captain Choices (Old Trafford, Manchester, July 23, 2025)

The fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford is set to play a decisive role in the series, with England leading 2-1. Picking the right captain or vice-captain for your Dream11 fantasy team can maximize your points. Below are the top choices, backed by stats and recent form.

1. Shubman Gill (India)

• Why Consider: Gill has been the standout performer in the series, notching up 607 runs in just six innings at an extraordinary average of 101.17. He struck a historic 269 and followed it with a 161 in the second Test at Edgbaston.
• Key Records:
  • Most runs in the ongoing series so far.
  • In 24 Test innings against England: 1,199 runs at 54.50 average.
  • Third-highest away Test score by an Indian (269).
  • Demonstrated ability to play match-defining knocks under pressure123.
• Fantasy Tip: His consistency, ability to play long innings and aggressive strike rate make him a safe and high-reward captaincy pick.

2. Joe Root (England)

• Why Consider: Root is a modern Test giant and has a historic record at Old Trafford, amassing 978 runs in 11 Tests at an average of 65.20 as of this fixture. He’s fresh off a century (104) in the third Test at Lord’s.
• Key Records:
  • 253 runs in 6 innings in the current series, averaging 50.60.
  • Recently surpassed Rahul Dravid and Steve Smith in total career Test centuries (now among top 5 in history).
  • Needs just 31 runs to climb above Dravid and Kallis in all-time Test run-getters, highlighting his consistency45.
• Fantasy Tip: Dependable for lengthy, high-scoring innings at this venue. Root’s experience and ongoing form make him a top captain or vice-captain option.

3. Ben Stokes (England)

• Why Consider: The England skipper is capable of influencing the match with both bat and ball. At Old Trafford, he has 579 runs in 12 innings (average: 52.6) and 11 wickets at an average of 27.5.
• Recent Performance:
  • Leading wicket-taker for England in this series with 11 wickets in 6 innings, including a game-changing 3/48 at Lord’s.
  • Contributed a critical 77 with the bat and 5 wickets in the previous Test, earning Man of the Match honors167.
• Fantasy Tip: His game-changing abilities in both departments multiply his chances of earning points; ideal as a safe, balanced captaincy selection.

Comparison Table

Player	Series Runs/Wickets	Old Trafford Record	Fantasy Value
Shubman Gill	607 runs (Avg 101.17)	Top away score: 269; class and form	High reward; safe pick12
Joe Root	253 runs (Avg 50.60)	978 runs (Avg 65.20), 1 century, 7 fifties	Reliable, venue specialist45
Ben Stokes	163 runs/11 wickets	579 runs (Avg 52.6), 11 wickets (Avg 27.5)	All-round value167

Honorable Mentions

• KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah are also regarded as differential vice-captain options if you want to try riskier combos18.

Fantasy Tip

Go with form and stats: Shubman Gill is the safest captain pick, Joe Root a reliable alternative, and Ben Stokes stands out for those wanting an all-rounder with match-winning upside.