Shubman Gill Seeks More Power as Test Captain, Proposes 15-Day Red-Ball Camps After SA Series Loss

Shubman Gill, the captain of India’s Test team, is set to get more authority to improve the team after India lost the Test series 0–2 to South Africa. The Punjab batsman became captain in May 2025 after Rohit Sharma suddenly retired from Test cricket. A report has now claimed that Gill is now presenting his vision for the team with more clarity and has already recommended the BCCI to implement a new policy.

Gill calls for better preparation with 15-day red-ball camps before Test series

According to the Times of India, a BCCI source said that Gill told the board the Indian team needs better preparation before playing a Test series. The Indian captain suggested that the team should have 15-day red-ball camps before each Test series in order to avoid being underprepared.

“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 where the team didn’t have much time to prepare. Gill recommended to the Board that it would be ideal if there were 15-day red-ball camps before a Test series,” the BCCI source said.

Gill’s first series as captain went fairly well. India drew the five-match Test series against England 2–2 after a tough fight. After that, India beat West Indies 2–0 at home. However, the year ended badly with a Test series loss against South Africa. The BCCI source claimed that Gill was showing more assertive qualities as captain, pointing out that it was just what the team needed after the departure of Rohit.

“Gill is showing assertive qualities now. He is presenting his vision to the selectors and BCCI with a lot more clarity. It augurs well for Indian cricket as there is a need for a strong captain after Rohit Sharma. The Test and ODI teams are Gill’s. It is important for him to have a bigger say,” the source added.