In the wake of India's shocking 2-0 home Test whitewash by World Test Champions South Africa in November 2025, their second such home series loss in 13 months, Test captain Shubman Gill has urged the BCCI to mandate 15-day red-ball training camps before every Test assignment.
The board appears ready to empower the young leader with greater control over preparations amid a transitional phase post the retirements of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin.
Gill's proactive stance stems from glaring preparation gaps exposed in the Proteas debacle. The team had just four days to switch from a white-ball tour of Australia before facing South Africa, contributing to the collapse. This followed a 3-0 home thrashing by New Zealand in late 2024,
marking rare black marks on India's formidable home record under new head coach Gautam Gambhir, whose Test tenure shows seven wins, ten losses, and two draws in 19 matches.
"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," a BCCI source told The Times of India.
The Fazilka batter's assertiveness signals strong leadership. Gill drew 2-2 with England-scoring 754 runs-and swept West Indies 2-0 at home, but the South Africa reverse was a rude jolt. "Gill is showing assertive qualities now. He is presenting his vision to the selectors and BCCI with a lot more clarity. It augurs well for Indian cricket as there is a need for a strong captain after Rohit Sharma. The Test and ODI teams are Gill's. It is important for him to have a bigger say," the source added.
Gambhir echoed similar sentiments post-series, lamenting scheduling woes. India eyes redemption in a two-Test tour of Sri Lanka in July, their next red-ball outing, with Gill's blueprint potentially reshaping Test readiness.
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