Indian Test captain Shubman Gill is demonstrating assertive leadership by proposing a significant strategic overhaul for the national team’s preparation in the longest format. Following a disappointing 2-0 home series whitewash against South Africa, Gill has recommended to the BCCI that the team implement mandatory 15-day red-ball camps before the start of every Test series.
The proposal stems from the challenges faced by the team due to tight scheduling, which often leaves insufficient time for players to transition effectively from white-ball assignments to Test cricket. The Indian team, for instance, had only four days to prepare before facing South Africa, having just returned from a white-ball tour of Australia. Gill believes that extended, focused red-ball preparation is crucial for handling the rigors of the five-day game.
Reports suggest that the BCCI is receptive to Gill's vision, recognizing the need for a strong captain to guide the Test and ODI teams through a transitional phase. This strategic input, supported by coach Gautam Gambhir, signals a positive step toward prioritizing Test cricket preparation and giving the young captain a greater say in team planning moving forward.
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“Gill was very clear that the team needed better preparation before going into a Test series. There was an issue with the itinerary this season where the team didn’t have much time to prepare. Gill recommended to the Board that it would be ideal if there were 15-day red-ball camps before a Test series”
Best run at Opening position in IPL 2025
| Rank | Player | Team | runs |
|---|---|---|---|
#1 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 5009 runs | |
#2 | Delhi Capitals | 4418 runs | |
#3 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 3685 runs | |
| #4 | Gujarat Titans | 3603 runs | |
| #5 | Mumbai Indians | 3309 runs |
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“Gill was very clear that the team needed better preparation before going into a Test series. There was an issue with the itinerary this season where the team didn’t have much time to prepare. Gill recommended to the Board that it would be ideal if there were 15-day red-ball camps before a Test series”
