![Shubman Gill [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1767589534147_Shubman Gill wants changes.jpg)
Shubman Gill [Source: AFP]
India’s Test captain Shubman Gill has taken an important step after the team’s disappointing home series loss against South Africa in November 2025. He has suggested to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that the team should attend a 15-day preparation camp before every Test series.
This suggestion came after India suffered a 0–2 defeat at home, which was their second home whitewash within one year. Earlier, India had also lost a home Test series against New Zealand in 2024. These back-to-back results raised serious concerns about preparation and planning.
BCCI holds internal discussions following back-to-back losses
Following the loss to South Africa, the BCCI held several informal discussions with selectors, team management, and senior players. During these meetings, Shubman Gill clearly shared his thoughts on the need for better readiness before long-format matches.
According to TOI, he pointed out that the team had very little time to switch from limited-overs cricket to Test cricket during the last season.
Therefore, he proposed that a dedicated 15-day red-ball camp before each Test series would help players adjust their mindset, fitness, and skills.
“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,” TOI quoted a BCCI source as saying.
BCCI considers greater role for Gill in team planning
India entered the recent home Test season only four days after winning the Asia Cup. Players returned from Dubai on September 29 and played a Test against West Indies on October 2.
In another case, Gill and several Test specialists arrived from a white-ball tour of Australia just four days before the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata. As a result, players had limited time to adapt to Test conditions, which may have affected performance.
Meanwhile, the BCCI seems open to giving Gill more responsibility in planning the team’s future. Officials feel that Gill is now showing strong leadership qualities.
“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.
At the same time, India’s busy schedule could make it difficult to organise 15-day camps before every series. To manage this, the BCCI is considering using its coaching staff and facilities at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Shubman Gill’s captaincy record in Tests so far
Since taking over from Rohit Sharma, Gill’s journey as Test captain has been mixed. Gill has recorded four wins, three losses, and one draw. He began his captaincy during the away series against England, where India leveled the series 2–2, including a memorable win at The Oval. He also secured his first home Test win as captain against West Indies by a large margin, eventually sealing the series.
Overall, Gill’s push for better preparation shows a clear intent to build a stronger Test side for the future.
