Shubman Gill Advocates for Better Preparation Time in Test Matches
As the Indian cricket team gears up for their upcoming One Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand in Vadodara, Shubman Gill, the Test and ODI captain of India, has called for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to provide more preparation time for teams, especially before Test series. Gill highlighted that India’s hectic schedule last year may have contributed to their 2-0 whitewash against South Africa, as they had limited transition time from limited-overs cricket to Tests.
Last year India played the Asia Cup final in Dubai on September 28 and then their first Test against West Indies at home on October 2. They played their last T20I in Australia on November 8 and their first Test against South Africa at home on November 14. Gill used those examples to underline how little time the side had between formats.
Importance of Adequate Preparation Highlighted by Gill
Reflecting on India’s previous scheduling issues, Gill emphasized before the New Zealand series that the tight calendar left minimal time for appropriate preparation between different formats of the game. According to Gill, sufficient lead time is vital when switching from white-ball cricket to red-ball cricket to ensure optimal performance and better readiness for Test matches. “One of the suggestions that I was very keen on is, if you would see in the last two Test series that we played, we didn’t have that much time to prepare. It’s not easy playing another match in a different country and then playing in India on the fourth day,” he said.
“Maybe it would be easier to have a little loose calendar,” Gill added, offering a concrete option: “Maybe it’s easier to play a match on the 10th day. Maybe it’s easier to play a match on the 12th day. It gives a bit of breather for the players as well, and it gives you that time to prepare and feel confident for the next series.”
Options for Player Rest and Scheduling Adjustments
With India recently experiencing a rare 22-day stretch without international cricket, Gill noted that some people have asked whether resting certain players or spacing matches differently might have prevented injuries such as the neck spasm he suffered. He suggested that more deliberate scheduling could be a significant improvement, while acknowledging the trade-offs involved.
Gill’s Balanced View on Scheduling and Team Composition
Gill’s personal journey and experiences have given him a unique perspective on these issues. Having dealt with a neck injury sustained during the first Test against South Africa, which sidelined him and cost his spot in the T20 World Cup squad, he understands firsthand the challenges of managing a crammed cricketing calendar.
Despite the setbacks, Gill maintains a positive outlook on his career trajectory. He remarked, “I believe I am right where I have to be in my life. Whatever is in my destiny, nobody can take it away from me.” Gill’s focus remains on helping India potentially win upcoming championships and tournaments.
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