‘ICC's decision’- Shubman Gill side-steps two-tier Test system query; says strong red-ball base needed for ODI and T20 success

A two-tier Test system is being studied due to falling standards of some teams in red-ball cricket.

Shubman Gill has given his thoughts on the proposed two-tier system in Test cricket and stated that any team with players with a strong red-ball base will automatically excel in ODIs and T20s, and not the other way around. However, he did side-step answering the question directly and said ICC decides to make.

West Indies cricket has changed for the worse over the last two decades, and the introduction of T20 leagues has meant that its top talent has chosen the freelance route for financial stability, resulting in a significant and rapid fall in the quality of red-ball players.  

After defeating the West Indies by an innings and 140 runs in the first Test in Ahmedabad, Gill was asked if he thought it was time for a two-tier system. Instead of naming the West Indies, the Indian skipper emphasized the significance of a solid foundation.

"I think it's the ICC's decision whether there should be a two-tier system or not. But I feel as a cricketing nation, whoever plays cricket, if your red-ball base is very strong, then you automatically do well in ODIs and T20s.

If you look at any of the teams, England, Australia, if the Test teams are very good, it's a natural thing that your one-day and T20 teams will do well. I don't know, maybe their (West Indies) players' focus is more on T20 and leagues. So, if your focus is on that, then the base from where the game has started—when you forget that, then the struggle of any country starts from there," Gill said on the eve of the second Test against the Windies in Delhi.

Gill feels this is where the Indian cricket system has stood out with its robust structures and clear priorities.

"So, we are also conscious. If you are doing well in the Test format, then it is a natural thing that in ODIs and T20s, you will automatically have a good team. If you have a good base, you will have good options,” he stated.

When asked if the quality of competition influences his players' intensity, the captain responded that his team is far too focused on its own tasks.

"I don't think your intensity drops depending on the opposition. It doesn't matter who we are playing. We want to be able to play at our own intensity, and we want to win. When you are playing for India, you don't need external motivation to up your intensity. It doesn't matter who we are playing. We want to maintain our own standards,” he added.

Leading the series 1-0, India will aim for a 2-0 whitewash when they face the West Indies in the second and final Test in Delhi, starting October 10.

(PTI inputs)