Shubman Gill, the Test captain of India, has drawn attention with a daring proposal to address Team India’s recent Test cricket setbacks. The captain has allegedly requested that the BCCI allow his squad a dedicated 15-day practice period prior to each Test series because he is dissatisfied with the manner the team has been preparing before red-ball assignments.
Many previous cricket players have praised the 26-year-old captain in the positive online conversation that has resulted from the move. Speaking on his YouTube account, Robin Uthappa praised the young man for his views on Test cricket. According to him, given the respect that the game’s longest format merits, this was the Indian captain’s wisest decision.
“I believe that a leader is making a crazy call. That is the best call there is. In that way, he is leading Test cricket. It’s excellent. A team must prepare for at least two weeks before to a Test series. To win the WTC, we are competing in a Test series. Therefore, we cannot win it by simply playing Test cricket. You must organise, get ready, and construct. As a board and a team, you must respect Test cricket. “I’m glad he brought it up,” Uthappa remarked.
The requirements for formats range greatly: Aakash Chopra
Gill’s position has gained backing from others besides Uthappa. The well-known analyst Akash Chopra has also supported the right-hander batter’s particular request. According to Chopra, the BCCI can afford to have a specific 15-day window prior to any series rather than going across continents for white-ball commitments since it is not financially dependent on anyone.
“However, the BCCI is a strong board that is independent of funding. Three more games are not necessary for India. Therefore, they can make a window if they want to be well-prepared. Being prepared has been essential. If Gill is saying this, then locate a window and get it ready. The fact that they are switching between different formats and continents is regrettable. Additionally, the demands are considerably different. Chopra stated via Backstage with Boria that if they don’t prepare well and fail, it’s because they didn’t prepare well either.
India’s red-ball difficulties made Gill reconsider
Over the past two years, India’s performance in the longest format has drastically declined, particularly at home, as evidenced by series annihilations against South Africa and New Zealand, respectively. Additionally, this inconsistent performance has forced Gill to reconsider and reorganise his team’s preparation for the demands of the Tests. With his special appeal to the BCCI for a 15-day window, Gill is making every effort to ensure that his team is ready for any red-ball assignment.
The Indian squad will only play five red-ball matches in 2026, all of which will take place in the second half of the year. The team’s main focus will be on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which they will co-host with Sri Lanka.
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