The move has sparked a positive debate online, with many former cricketers praising the 26-year-old captain. Robin Uthappawhile speaking on his YouTube channel, praised the youngster for his stance on Test cricket. He said that this was indeed the best decision by the Indian skipper considering the respect that the longest format of the game deserves.
“I think it is a crazy call from a leader. There can’t be a better call than that. He is taking charge of Test cricket in that sense. That is very good. Before a Test cricket, a team needs at least two weeks of preparation. We are playing a 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 as a board and a team have to give that respect to Test cricket. I am very happy that he brought it up.” said Uthappa.
The format requirements are very different: Aakash Chopra
Uthappa is not the only one supporting Gill’s position. Renowned commentator, Akash ChopraThe right-handed batsman has also supported due to his special request. Chopra believes that the BCCI is not financially dependent on anyone and can therefore afford to have a special 15-day window ahead of any series, rather than traveling across continents for white-ball commitments.
“But if you look at the BCCI, they are a strong board and not financially dependent. India does not need three more matches. So if they want to prepare well, they can create a window. The preparation has been an integral part. So when Gill says this, find a window, prepare a window. It is unfortunate that they are jumping from one continent to another and playing different formats. The requirements are also very different. If the preparation is not good and they fail, it is a consequence of them not preparing properly,” said Chopra via Backstage with Boria.
India’s red-ball battle made Gill reconsider
India‘s form in the longest format has dropped alarmingly over the past two years, especially in home conditions, with series whitewashes against New Zealand and South Africa respectively. And this patchy run has prompted Gill to rethink and redesign how his team should prepare for the rigors of Tests. Gill wants his team to be well prepared for a red-ball assignment, and is leaving no stone unturned with his special request to the BCCI to give the team a 15-day window.
For the unversed, the Indian team will play just five red-ball matches in 2026 – all in the second half of the year, with a focus on the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which they will co-host with Sri Lanka.
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