In light of recent concerns surrounding India's performance in Test cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is undertaking a "soul-searching exercise" to identify areas for improvement, according to BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia. This initiative involves a comprehensive review of the current system and the development of a detailed roadmap to elevate India's red-ball cricket standards.
On Friday, January 9, 2026, key BCCI officials, including President Mithun Manhas and Vice-President Rajeev Shukla, convened in Mumbai with VVS Laxman, the head of the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE), to discuss the future direction of Indian cricket. The primary focus was on establishing pathway programs across multiple formats, with particular attention to addressing the perceived decline in Test cricket performance.
Saikia highlighted a concerning trend where younger players are increasingly drawn to white-ball cricket, influenced by the popularity of tournaments like the Indian Premier League (IPL). This inclination leads them to prioritize attacking skills and innovative shots like the reverse sweep, potentially neglecting the importance of defensive techniques and the ability to sustain long innings, crucial for success in Test cricket.
To counter this, the BCCI aims to re-emphasize the significance of red-ball cricket among young players. This includes improving their defensive skills and fostering the art of occupying the crease for extended periods. The discussions also involved past players Mithun Manhas and Abey Kuruvilla, the BCCI GM. The board has refuted media reports about potentially splitting the coaching duties between Gautam Gambhir and Laxman, with Gambhir supposedly in charge of white-ball teams and Laxman overseeing the Test side.
One of the key issues identified was the overlap between formats due to a congested international schedule, which often hampers Test preparations. To address this, the BCCI is considering a more streamlined approach to 'A' team tours, effectively using them as shadow tours to better prepare players for the rigors of Test cricket. The recent loss of the Under-19 India team in the final of the Under-19 Asia Cup has also raised questions about the effectiveness of the CoE. The BCCI had previously announced plans to expand the CoE to enhance the development of young cricketers by providing them with world-class facilities.
Devajit Saikia, a former first-class cricketer himself, having played as a wicket-keeper and middle-order batter for Assam, succeeded Jay Shah as the BCCI secretary in January 2025. He was re-elected in September 2025. His tenure comes at a crucial juncture for Indian cricket, with the performance of the red-ball team under scrutiny. As secretary, Saikia's responsibilities include overseeing team selection and managing the day-to-day affairs of the board. The BCCI's "soul-searching exercise" reflects a commitment to revitalizing India's Test cricket fortunes through targeted interventions and a renewed focus on developing well-rounded cricketers.
