Shubman Gill makes key request to BCCI on Test preparation after home defeat against South Africa
After India’s recent Test setback, Shubman Gill has made a crucial suggestion to the BCCI that could change how the team prepares for future series.
Shubman Gill (Image | BCCI on X)
Last Updated: 11.41 AM, Jan 05, 2026
Team India's Test series defeat against South Africa gained many criticsm a few weeks back. While head coach Gautam Gambhir didn't have a solid explanation to it, the team's future in red-ball cricket looked quite uncertain. But, skipper Shubman Gill has come to the rescue and suggested a plan, that might help the Men in Blue in the long run.
Gill, who wasn't a part of the Test team due to an injury, urged Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to hold 15-day camps before every red-ball series. This time, India played the Asia Cup 2025 and almost the same players came back to India to play the Test series against West Indies. The same happened during the South Africa series as the Indian team played a white-ball series against Australia.
"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,” said a BCCI source as quoted by TOI.
"He 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.
VVS Laxman to lead red-ball camps: Reports
According to reports, the board might ask Centre of Excellence (CoE) head coach VVS Laxman to lead the red-ball camps since Gautam Gambhir will be busy with the white-ball team and the series. While the 15-day camp looks quite unconventional, keeping India's vast schedule in mind. But, the good news is that Shubman Gill is trying to bring changes to the team, especially Test cricket, which is s great start.
"There may be instances where Gambhir will be busy with white-ball teams even as there may be a Test series approaching. The Board may use the services of CoE cricket head VVS Laxman to organise red-ball camps,” the source added.
Where to watch IND vs NZ matches?
Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs New Zealand matches from January 11 online on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.