Sunil Gavaskar has sharply criticised the BCCI’s scheduling approach after India’s 0–2 Test series defeat to South Africa, calling the lack of planning and preparation a major reason for the team’s decline in the longest format. Gavaskar said that while visiting teams arrived well-prepared—South Africa’s ‘A’ squad had already toured India and their main team played in similar sub-continental conditions before the series—India entered the contest with minimal red-ball practice due to a congested international calendar. He strongly objected to India touring abroad during its own home season, arguing that no top cricketing nation compromises its home window the way India currently does. According to him, “the season is more important,” and India must prioritise home Test cricket instead of allowing market forces and broadcast pressures to dictate scheduling. He added that while coaches and players have their responsibilities, the system must provide a stable, sensible calendar that allows proper preparation. Gavaskar warned that unless the BCCI restores balance, protects the home season, and aligns preparation with the demands of Test cricket, India’s traditional dominance in red-ball cricket will continue to erode.
