Shubman Gill Urges 7-10 Days of Test Preparation Amid India’s Packed Schedule

Shubman Gill has called for more preparation time ahead of Test assignments, saying India need at least a week to 10 days to adapt properly to red-ball cricket and unfamiliar conditions.

India are set to begin their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium on Saturday, August 15. Ahead of the opening Test, Gill spoke about the difficulties created by India’s packed international and franchise cricket schedule.

Shubman Gill wants 7-10 days of preparation before Tests

Gill believes that having sufficient preparation time can make a significant difference, particularly because several members of India’s current Test squad do not have extensive experience in different overseas conditions.

Speaking ahead of the Sri Lanka series, the Indian captain said that a week or 10 days before a Test would help players prepare more effectively if the schedule permits it.

“If the scheduling allows us to have at least a week or 10 days before the Test match starts, it obviously helps with the preparation.”

Gill’s comments underline the growing challenge of managing India’s crowded cricket calendar, where players frequently move between Test cricket, limited-overs internationals and franchise tournaments.

Why switching from T20 cricket to Test cricket is difficult

The transition from T20 cricket to Test cricket can be particularly demanding because the two formats require very different approaches.

T20 cricket encourages players to score quickly, attack from the beginning and make decisions within a few deliveries. Test cricket, meanwhile, demands patience, concentration, defensive technique and the ability to bat or bowl for long periods.

Gill pointed out that India’s schedule can leave players with limited time to make that adjustment. The issue becomes even more significant when a Test assignment follows a long franchise tournament.

Several Indian players spend nearly two months playing the IPL, meaning they have to quickly rediscover their red-ball techniques once the Test season begins.

Gill highlights India’s lack of Test experience

The Indian captain also emphasized that preparation becomes even more important when a squad contains players who have limited experience in overseas Test conditions.

According to Gill, many players need additional time to understand the conditions, adjust their techniques and become comfortable before the first Test begins.

“So, it’s never easy for the players to be able to adapt. And most of the players in this team, I think, require a bit of time to adjust with the conditions.”

This is particularly relevant for India’s Sri Lanka tour, where conditions at Galle can demand significant adjustments from both batters and bowlers.

India’s practice game provides valuable preparation

Gill’s concerns appear to have been considered by the team management, with India having a three-day practice game in Sri Lanka before the Test series.

Practice matches can provide players with an opportunity to spend time in the middle without the immediate pressure of a Test match. Batters can work on their defensive techniques, while bowlers can adapt to the pitch and conditions.

For a relatively inexperienced squad, such preparation can also help players understand how quickly conditions may change during a Test match.

India’s packed schedule remains a challenge

Gill’s comments also highlight a broader issue facing modern international cricket. Players are increasingly required to move between formats while also managing franchise commitments and international travel.

India’s recent schedule has included Test cricket in England, the Asia Cup and other international assignments. Moving between formats without sufficient recovery and preparation time can make the transition particularly difficult.

Gill recalled India’s busy schedule last year while explaining why additional preparation time is valuable.

“Even last year we had a quite busy schedule — playing in England and then playing in the Asia Cup, then playing a Test match in India.”

Why preparation could be crucial for India’s Test campaign

India’s Test ambitions depend heavily on players being able to adapt quickly to different conditions. A lack of preparation can put additional pressure on batters who have to adjust their footwork and shot selection and bowlers who need to understand the pitch.

For younger players, the challenge can be even greater because they have fewer previous experiences to draw upon.

Gill’s request for 7-10 days of preparation is therefore not simply about additional practice. It is also about giving players enough time to mentally and technically transition into Test mode.

Gill’s message to India’s cricket planners

As India’s Test captain, Gill’s comments could add weight to the discussion around workload management and the scheduling of international cricket.

With India’s players competing across multiple formats, creating dedicated windows for Test preparation could become increasingly important. The longer format requires a different level of physical and mental preparation, particularly before overseas assignments.

For now, India will look to put their preparation into practice when they face Sri Lanka in the opening Test at Galle. Gill’s message is clear: when the schedule allows, giving the Test squad at least 7-10 days to prepare can help players make the transition into red-ball cricket more effectively.