Team India’s Red-Ball Prep at Eden Gardens: BTS Insights

Watch: 'Back home in whites' — Stunning BTS video of Team India’s prep at Eden Gardens

Team India Test Prep: Inside the Red-Ball Reboot at Eden Gardens

With the opening Test against South Africa just days away, Team India has plunged headfirst into red-ball mode—and the BCCI’s newly released behind-the-scenes video offers a captivating glimpse into their intense preparations at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens.

Titled “Back home in whites,” the montage showcases players sweating it out under humid November skies, with captain Shubman Gill stealing the spotlight after spending over 90 minutes in the nets—a clear signal that India is leaving nothing to chance in their Team India Test prep for the highly anticipated IND vs SA series .

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BCCI’s BTS Video: Key Moments

The official BCCI video—shared across social media platforms on November 12, 2025—captures the essence of India’s transition from limited-overs to Test cricket:

  • Shubman Gill facing simulated new-ball spells with full pads and concentration
  • Jasprit Bumrah bowling with a short run-up, focusing on line and length
  • Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja analyzing pitch markings together
  • Youngsters like Sai Sudharsan and Nitish Kumar Reddy in fielding drills
  • The entire squad in whites, walking through Eden Gardens’ historic corridors

Accompanied by a hauntingly beautiful instrumental score, the video is as much a tribute to Test cricket as it is a training log .

Gill’s 90-Minute Net Session: Why It Matters

After leading India through a packed white-ball calendar—including the Champions Trophy 2025—Gill’s extended red-ball immersion is strategic, not ceremonial.

Observers noted he worked extensively on:

  1. Playing late—critical for handling South Africa’s seam movement
  2. Fending short balls—a weakness exposed in past overseas tours
  3. Leaving outside off—a discipline often lost in T20 cricket
  4. Building partnerships through rotation, not just boundaries

His 90-minute stint—longer than any other batter’s—underscores his dual role as captain and batting anchor. With Rohit Sharma retired from Tests, the onus is squarely on Gill to deliver and lead .

What Eden Gardens Offers for the IND vs SA Test

Eden Gardens is expected to serve a balanced pitch for the November 14–18 Test:

  • Days 1–2: Good carry, even bounce, slight seam movement
  • Days 3–4: Surface cracks, offering turn for Ashwin/Jadeja
  • Humidity: ~70%, aiding reverse swing by session 3

This makes India’s prep doubly important—batters must survive the new ball, while pacers like Bumrah and Siraj must capitalize on early conditions before spinners dominate.

How India’s Pace & Spin Units Are Preparing

The BCCI video revealed nuanced prep strategies:

Pace Attack:
Only Bumrah bowled live in the session—others focused on fielding and shadow drills, suggesting careful workload management.

Spin Trio:
Ashwin, Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav were seen discussing rough patches and foot-hole targeting, likely planning for South Africa’s right-hand-heavy middle order (Bavuma, de Kock, Jansen).

Notably, debutant spin prospect Sufiyan Muqeem was also present—possibly on standby if conditions demand a three-spinner attack.

Gautam Gambhir’s Hands-On Coaching Approach

New head coach Gautam Gambhir is visibly central in the footage—kneeling beside Gill during throwdowns, demonstrating footwork, and reviewing video clips on a tablet with assistant Sitanshu Kotak.

This micro-coaching style differs from Rahul Dravid’s broader philosophy. Gambhir—a former opener himself—appears laser-focused on technical precision and mental resilience—key traits needed against a disciplined Proteas attack led by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen .

Fan Frenzy and What’s at Stake

Eden Gardens is already sold out for all five days, with over 60,000 daily attendees expected . The return of Test cricket to Kolkata after a two-year gap has ignited massive local enthusiasm.

For India, this series is more than pride—it’s a critical stepping stone toward the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle. A loss at home would dent their standings; a win sets the tone for dominance.

Final Thoughts: India’s Red-Ball Readiness

The BCCI’s behind-the-scenes video isn’t just promotional—it’s proof that Team India Test prep is holistic, disciplined, and emotionally grounded. From Gill’s marathon nets to Bumrah’s controlled spells and Gambhir’s tactical oversight, every detail is calibrated for red-ball success.

As the countdown to November 14 continues, one thing is clear: India isn’t just playing a Test match. They’re making a statement.

For more, explore our [INTERNAL_LINK:ind-vs-sa-prediction] and [INTERNAL_LINK:shubman-gill-captaincy-analysis].

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