Shubman Gill EXPOSES real reason behind India’s Test struggles under Gautam Gambhir

Team India Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill has shared his view on the team’s struggles in the recent Test series in South Africa, where they suffered a 0-2 whitewash at home. The right-handed batter said the Indian cricket team did not get enough time to prepare for Test cricket before the series began.

India are now focusing on white-ball cricket with the 2026 T20 World Cup just a few weeks away. The Men in Blue will play a three-match ODI series at home against New Zealand, starting on January 11. Seniors Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will return to action, with the opening match set to be played in Vadodara.

India’s Home Test Struggles Put Gautam Gambhir Under Pressure

India have struggled in Test cricket at home in recent years. They were whitewashed 0-2 by New Zealand in 2024 and then suffered another 0-2 home whitewash against South Africa in November 2025. These results have put head coach Gautam Gambhir under strong pressure.

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Notably, no other Indian coach has faced two home Test whitewashes. India also failed to reach the World Test Championship final after losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 3-1 to Australia.

The Shubman Gill-led team drew the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-2 against England and then won a home Test series 2-0 against West Indies. However, the back-to-back defeats against South Africa at home ended that momentum.

India currently sit sixth on the WTC 2025-27 points table, showing a weak start to the new cycle. They have a points percentage of 48.15 and will look to improve it when the Test season resumes later in the year.

We Didn't Have Enough Time Before... - Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill said that preparation plays a key role, especially when players move from white-ball cricket to Test matches. He added that India did not get enough time to prepare before the recent Test series against South Africa and the West Indies.

"In the last two Test series we did not have enough time to prepare... If we had won vs South Africa, it wouldn't have made a lot of difference and preparation for me is a big thing," Gill stated.

"We did not have enough time before South Africa and West Indies series. Good to have some time to prepare when going from white ball to red ball," he added.

Shubman Gill Urges BCCI to Organise Longer Training Camps Before Test Series

According to recent reports, Shubman Gill has asked the BCCI to arrange two-week training camps before the Test series. He wants the team to spend more time preparing for red-ball cricket.

India often struggle with Test preparation because of a tight schedule and a lack of regular red-ball specialists. The team moves quickly from white-ball cricket to Tests without enough practice time.

India started a two-match home Test series against the West Indies just three days after finishing the 2025 Asia Cup in the UAE. The players did not get enough time to adjust to the red-ball format.

India began their Test series against South Africa only five days after a white-ball tour of Australia during October and November. Meanwhile, South Africa came into the series after playing Tests in Pakistan, which helped them adapt better to similar conditions.

Also read: Shubman Gill SAVED Rishabh Pant from ODI axing by blocking Ishan Kishan’s return! Shocking details emerge