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The BCCI has taken a big step to build the future of India's Test team. The BCCI has launched a special red-ball tournament where some of the best young domestic cricketers will get a chance to show their talent and become part of India's long-term plans in Test cricket.
This tournament is a huge opportunity for young players who have performed well in age-group and domestic cricket. The national selectors will closely follow every match, and good performances could help these players move one step closer to playing Test cricket for India.
BCCI launches special red-ball tournament to build India's Test future
As reported by Times of India, the Indian cricket board has launched a special tournament to boost their Test bench strength after recent struggles at home. The BCCI's Emerging Men's Tournament will be played from July 4 to July 26 at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Four teams will take part in the competition, and every team will play three matches. All the matches will be four-day games so that the players can prove themselves in red-ball cricket. The tournament will feature Under-25 cricketers who have already represented India at the junior level and have impressed in domestic cricket.
Uday Saharan, Smaran Ravichandran, Yash Dhull and Himateja K named captains
The BCCI has also selected four young captains to lead the teams. India's Under-19 World Cup 2024 captain Uday Saharan has been named captain of Team A. He was also made Punjab's captain in 2025 after his impressive performances.
Former India batter Wasim Jaffer has been appointed as the team's mentor, while Sourashish Lahiri will be the assistant coach. Team B will be led by Karnataka batter Smaran Ravichandran. Amid this, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi unhappy in Manchester nets as Gautam Gambhir faces heat.
He has been a regular performer in domestic cricket over the last two years and is currently playing in the Maharaja Trophy 2026. Former Indian spinner Ramesh Powar will be the head coach of Team B, and Anshu Jain will be the assistant coach.
Debasish Mohanty gets big role
Team C will be captained by Delhi's Yash Dhull. The 23-year-old led India to the Under-19 World Cup title in 2022 and is now eyeing a place in the senior Indian team. Himateja K has been named the captain of Team D.
Former India fast bowler Debasish Mohanty will be the head coach of Team D, while Vinit Indulkar has been appointed as the assistant coach. The main aim of this tournament is to find talented youngsters who can play Test cricket for India in the future. The BCCI hopes this competition will help identify the next generation of red-ball stars.
BCCI breaks silence on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's India debut delay
Meanwhile, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is still waiting for his India debut after being left out of both T20Is against Ireland and the first T20I against England.
The decision has sparked criticism from fans and former cricketers, but BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla defended the team management.
Shukla was quoted as saying by Times Now ahead of the second T20I: “We are also of the view that he is a very talented player, and he showcased that during the IPL. I have seen several comments against the team management and the coaches, but I want to make it very clear that the coach and captain will make the final decision.
They are looking at the situation, and whenever the right opportunity arises, they will definitely give him his chance. So, such decisions should be left to the wisdom of the team management. I don't know why such unnecessary comments are being made about it.”
