After Home Test Collapse, Shubman Gill Calls for Longer Red-Ball Preparation Camps
Shubman Gill urges BCCI to bring 15-day red-ball camps before Tests after India’s rare home whitewash by South Africa.
India Test captain Shubman Gill has asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India to make 15-day red-ball camps compulsory before every Test series, following India’s 2-0 home whitewash against South Africa.
India lost both Tests at home in November 2025, marking their second home series defeat in just 13 months. The result has raised serious questions about preparation during a phase of transition in Indian cricket.
Gill believes the team was undercooked heading into the South Africa series. India had just four days to switch from a white-ball tour of Australia to red-ball cricket, something he feels played a big role in the collapse.
A BCCI source told The Times of India, “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.”
The source added that Gill recommended 15-day red-ball camps before every Test assignment so players can adjust to longer spells, patience, and match situations that white-ball cricket does not offer.
The BCCI is understood to be open to the idea. With the retirements of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin, the board sees Gill as the leader of a new era and is ready to give him more control.
Under head coach Gautam Gambhir, India’s recent home Test record has been worrying. It includes a 3-0 loss to New Zealand and an overall return of 7 wins, 10 losses and 2 draws from 19 Tests.
Gill’s captaincy record, however, has had bright moments. He led India to a 2-2 draw against England while scoring 754 runs himself, and followed it up with a 2-0 sweep of West Indies at home.
The South Africa series is seen as his first major setback as Test captain, but insiders say it has sharpened his thinking. “Gill is showing assertive qualities now. He is presenting his vision with a lot more clarity,” the source said.
Gambhir has also spoken about tight scheduling and lack of preparation time. India’s next red-ball assignment is a two-Test tour of Sri Lanka in July, where Gill’s preparation plan could be put into action.
