Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Apr 5: India’s struggles in Test cricket have prompted the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to launch a major structural reset aimed at rebuilding its red-ball pipeline for the future.
While India recently lifted the T20 World Cup title, the team’s declining performance in Test cricket has raised concerns, with losses at home against New Zealand and South Africa exposing vulnerabilities. The setback has also put India’s World Test Championship final qualification hopes in doubt, despite improved results in limited-overs formats under head coach Gautam Gambhir.
According to PTI reports, the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, headed by VVS Laxman, has introduced a long-term development blueprint focused on strengthening India’s red-ball talent pool.
A key feature of the plan is a four-day intra-CoE tournament scheduled for June–July, involving 64 players under the age of 25. Promising youngsters such as Ayush Mhatre and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi are expected to participate. The players will be divided into four teams, each playing multi-day matches across varied pitch conditions to simulate real Test scenarios.
The initiative aims to build a consistent pipeline of Test-ready players who can serve India over the next decade. Coaches and selectors have also been directed to prioritise red-ball development in upcoming High Performance Camps in Bengaluru.
A BCCI source told PTI that the India Emerging team will consist entirely of U-25 players, who will also form the core of India A squads for overseas “shadow tours”. The selection roadmap will be finalised in consultation with chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the national team management.
Post IPL, India U-19 and Emerging (U-25) squads are expected to tour Sri Lanka for four-day matches, with selections based on performances in the intra-CoE competition.
The selection structure will include 25 U-23 players chosen by the junior selection panel led by S Sharath, another 25 selected from domestic cricket performances in tournaments like the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and 14 players from the IPL pool.
The move comes amid growing concern over India’s declining dominance in Test cricket, particularly against spin at home, which has been identified as a key area of weakness. The new system is designed to ensure sustained exposure to longer-format cricket and strengthen India’s future Test core.