India Gears Up for All-Format Series vs South Africa

India's cricket team is intensifying preparations for an all-format series against South Africa, beginning with the first Test on November 14 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Captain Shubman Gill, who leads in Tests and one-day internationals while serving as vice-captain in T20s, has been at the center of discussions about his demanding schedule as the squad aims to build on recent successes.

Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate highlighted Gill's growing responsibilities ahead of the two-Test, three-ODI, and three-T20I series. "Shubman has taken up this challenge," ten Doeschate said, noting that players typically avoid all formats to manage fatigue, but Gill has embraced the role following his appointment as ODI captain during the recent Australia tour. Despite modest results in white-ball cricket, including limited scores in three ODIs and brief flashes in T20Is, Gill remains focused on the red-ball challenge.

Former India spinner R Ashwin offered insights into Gill's adaptability across formats. Ashwin suggested that Gill's current batting form, described as a "purple patch," facilitates playing all three disciplines, though transitioning to Tests requires stronger defensive play....