In the aftermath of the series whitewash at home at the hands of Temba Bavuma's South Africa, India captain Shubman Gill has suggested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to have 15-day preparatory camps before every Test series.
Reportedly, Gill gave his suggestion to improve India's Test preparation during an informal meeting with selectors.
“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 TOI.
India’s hectic schedule for all-format players
Gill was made Test captain before India toured England to kickstart their World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 campaign. India drew the five-Test series 2-2 on English soil. After the T20 Asia Cup 2025, India flew back home and beat West Indies in a two-Test series.
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Before the South Africa Test series, India travelled to Australia for a limited-overs series. Several Test players including India T20I vice-captain Gill was involved in the T20I series which concluded on November 8. The Indian Test team players who were part of the T20I team had a quick turnaround as the first Test on a tough Eden Gardens pitch started on November 14.
Injury setback for Gill
Gill suffered a neck injury during Kolkata Test and did not bat in the tricky run chase. India lost the Kolkata Test and Rishabh Pant captained in Guwahati. India were outplayed in all departments of the game in the second Test as Bavuma’s men scripted history.
Where do India stand in WTC Points Table?
Currently, India are placed sixth on the WTC 2025-27 points table with a win percentage of 48.15. Even if England win the SCG Test, they won't get past India in the standings.
India’s remaining Test assignments in this WTC cycle
India won’t play another Test till August 2027 when they tour Sri Lanka for a tour Test series. Gill who has been dropped from the T20 World Cup 2026 side will play Ranji Trophy 2025-26 games to fine-tune his skills.
After Sri Lanka tour, India will take the fight to New Zealand for a two-Test series. India's last Test series of the cycle is at home, a five-Test series against current table toppers Australia.