India’s Test cricket captain, Shubman Gill, has made a bold move to improve the team’s performance in the longest format. Reports indicate that Gill has formally requested the BCCI to allow a 15-day preparatory window before each Test series. This decision comes after India’s recent struggles in Test cricket, including series defeats against New Zealand, Australia, and England, which have put the team’s World Test Championship (WTC) campaign at risk.
Gill’s call for a longer preparation period has been widely praised by former cricketers. Ex-India batter Robin Uthappa described it as an “insane decision” and a sign of proactive leadership. “Before a Test series, a team needs at least two weeks to plan, prepare, and build. This is the respect Test cricket deserves,” Uthappa said on his YouTube channel.
Aakash Chopra, another former cricketer, also supported the move, highlighting that India, as a strong and financially independent cricket board, has the flexibility to create such windows. He emphasized that continuously moving between continents and formats puts players under immense pressure, making proper preparation crucial for success.
The push for a dedicated practice window underscores the growing concern about India’s Test performances. Analysts believe that this structured preparation could help the team regain momentum in the WTC and improve consistency in challenging conditions abroad.
Gill’s initiative reflects a wider shift in mindset, placing strategy and planning on par with talent and skill. With the WTC title still in reach, the 24-year-old captain is signaling that India is ready to approach Test cricket with the seriousness it demands, emphasizing preparation over mere participation.
As India gears up for upcoming Test series, the BCCI’s response to Gill’s request could set a new precedent for how the national team approaches the longest format in the future.
