In response to India’s recent Test cricket setbacks, skipper Shubman Gill has made a strong declaration of intent. Gill has requested the BCCI for a 15-day preparation window prior to each Test match in an effort to bring structure and respect back to the longest format. This request has been well received by former cricketers.
Over the past year, India’s red-ball performance has significantly declined, and series losses to New Zealand, Australia, and England have put the team in danger of being eliminated from the World Test Championship (WTC).
After being humiliated 0–2 in a two-match Test series at home against South Africa in November 2025, India’s prospects of finishing in the top two of the WTC 2025–27 cycle and qualifying for the WTC 2027 final are in doubt.
India still needs to win at least seven of the remaining nine games in order to go to the third WTC final, but their chances are slim. Five of those nine matches will take place at home against Australia, the world’s best Test team, while four will take place away from home (two each against Sri Lanka and New Zealand).
In light of this, Gill’s demand for more time for preparation has been generally applauded as a proactive move to stop the decline.
Gill’s proposal was praised by former India batsman Robin Uthappa, who called it a daring and essential intervention.
“I think it is an insane call from a leader. There cannot be a better call than that. He is taking charge of Test cricket in that sense. It is very good. Before a Test series, a team needs a preparation of at least two weeks. We are playing Test series to win the WTC. So to win that, we cannot win by just playing Test cricket. You have to plan, prepare, and build. You need to give that respect to Test cricket as a board and a team. I am very happy that he brought it up,” Uthappa said on his YouTube channel.
Uthappa is not the only one who supports Gill’s ideas. Aakash Chopra, a former opener for India, has also supported the concept, demonstrating the BCCI’s ability to put preparation ahead of commercial considerations.
Talking on Backstage with Boria, Chopra said, “But if you look at the BCCI, we are a strong board and not financially dependent. We don’t need three extra games. So if we wish to prepare well, then we can create a window. Preparation has been integral. So if Gill is saying this, find a window, prepare a window. It is unfortunate that you are jumping from one continent to another and playing different formats. The demands are also very different. If the preparation is not good and they fail, it’s a function of you not preparing well as well.”
