Shubman Gill Advocates for Balanced International Cricket Calendar

Shubman Gill, the captain of the Indian Test and ODI teams, has voiced the need for a more balanced international cricket calendar. He argues that players require adequate rest and preparation time, especially when switching formats and traveling. Gill highlights the challenges posed by tightly packed schedules, emphasizing that the lack of preparation time has been a significant concern in recent series. He believes that winning should not overshadow the necessity for thorough preparation, particularly when transitioning from white-ball to red-ball formats. Gill is committed to ensuring that the team takes the necessary steps to prepare effectively for upcoming series.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 10, 2026, 19:22 IST

Need for a Balanced Schedule

Shubman Gill, the captain of the Indian Test and ODI teams, has emphasized the necessity for a more balanced international cricket calendar. He highlighted that players need sufficient rest and preparation time, particularly when transitioning between formats and traveling internationally. Gill expressed concern that the current schedule offers minimal recovery time, a stark contrast to previous years.

Concerns Over Tight Scheduling

Gill pointed out the increasingly congested nature of cricket tours, stating, "It might be beneficial to have a more relaxed calendar. In 2016, 2017, and 2018, players had more time to adjust when traveling from one country to another. Playing a match on the fourth day after arriving is challenging; a longer gap, like on the tenth or twelfth day, would allow players to recuperate and prepare effectively for upcoming series."

Preparation Time is Crucial

The Indian captain raised concerns about the lack of preparation time in recent Test series, especially when the team has had to quickly transition between countries. He remarked, "In our last two Test series, we didn't have adequate time to prepare. Competing in India and then playing a match in a different country just four days later is tough, particularly during long tours."

Winning Isn't Everything

Gill stressed that winning should not overshadow the need for proper preparation. He stated, "Even if we had won the series against South Africa, it wouldn't change the fact that we need to prepare thoroughly to succeed in Test matches globally."

Transitioning Between Formats

Highlighting the significance of preparation when switching from white-ball to red-ball cricket, Gill noted that the lack of training time has been apparent in recent matches. He said, "Preparation is crucial, and I felt we didn't have enough time to get ready after returning from Australia or following the Asia Cup before facing the West Indies."

Future Preparations

Gill concluded by emphasizing the need for adequate preparation time, especially when transitioning formats. He expressed his commitment to ensuring that the team takes necessary actions to prepare effectively before any red-ball series.