In the wake of a disheartening 0-2 home series defeat against South Africa, Indian Test captain Shubman Gill has put forth a significant recommendation to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Gill has advocated for the implementation of mandatory 15-day red-ball preparation camps ahead of every Test series, highlighting a critical need for better planning and practice.
The Captain's Call for Better Preparation
The suggestion came to light during informal discussions held by the BCCI with selectors and the team's leadership group. These meetings were convened after India suffered its second home series whitewash in just 13 months. A source within the BCCI revealed that Gill was emphatic about the team requiring more structured preparation before embarking on a Test series.
The captain pointed to a packed and problematic itinerary as a key issue. For instance, the team had only a four-day gap after winning the Asia Cup before the last home Test season began. Similarly, the Test against the West Indies on October 2 saw players arriving from Dubai as late as September 29. Before the recent first Test against South Africa in Kolkata, Gill and several Test specialists had just four days to transition after a white-ball tour of Australia.
BCCI Backs Gill's Growing Leadership Role
The BCCI, it is understood, is receptive to Gill's ideas and is willing to grant him a greater say in formulating the team's plans. The young captain is increasingly displaying assertive leadership qualities. "Gill is showing assertive qualities now. He is presenting his vision to the selectors and BCCI with a lot more clarity," the BCCI source stated.
This development is seen as a positive step for Indian cricket, especially with the need for a strong captain following Rohit Sharma's tenure. With Gill now at the helm of both the Test and ODI teams, his involvement in strategic planning is considered crucial for the squad's future direction.
Logistical Hurdles and a Potential Solution
However, implementing a consistent 15-day camp before every Test series poses a significant challenge due to India's notoriously crowded cricket calendar. To navigate this, the BCCI is exploring alternative solutions.
The board may leverage its coaching staff and the facilities at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) or Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. The source indicated that in situations where head coach Gautam Gambhir might be occupied with white-ball teams, the board could utilize the services of CoE cricket head VVS Laxman to organize and oversee these specialized red-ball camps.
This proposal underscores a shift towards prioritizing dedicated, long-format training, a move championed by the new captain as India looks to rebuild and strengthen its Test cricket foundations after recent setbacks.
