The BCCI is set to review India’s recent struggles away from home, along with the team’s growing fitness concerns, with coach Gautam Gambhir, chief selector Ajit Agarkar and Centre of Excellence head VVS Laxman scheduled to meet the board in Mumbai on Thursday.
The meeting comes after a difficult stretch for Indian cricket. India was beaten 2-0 by Ireland in a two-match T20I series in June, ending a run of 16 consecutive series without defeat. Their problems continued in England, where they suffered a 4-0 T20I series loss before losing the ODI series 2-1 despite winning the opening match in Birmingham.
The BCCI had previously indicated that India’s away performances would be reviewed, although the meeting was delayed.
With India set to travel to New Zealand later this year and the 2027 ODI World Cup increasingly influencing planning, the board wants the key stakeholders aligned on the road ahead. Player fitness is expected to be one of the major points of discussion.
India has dealt with a series of injuries in recent months, with Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar and Sai Sudharsan among those whose fitness has affected selection. The situation has also exposed concerns over communication between the team management, selection committee and Centre of Excellence.
There was reportedly an instance when the selection committee was not informed that Bumrah was unavailable for a tour, highlighting the need for clearer communication between the different arms of Indian cricket.
The impact of the IPL on player workload is also expected to feature in the discussions. Team management has previously raised concerns about players arriving for international assignments without being fully fit, making workload management particularly important with a packed schedule ahead.
Fitness remains an immediate issue even in the T20I squad for the upcoming Afghanistan series. Bumrah, Washington, Nitish Reddy and Harshit Rana are due to undergo fitness tests on September 9, with the results expected to determine their availability.
The board will also discuss Hardik Pandya’s fitness and his role in the build-up to the 2027 World Cup. The selectors want the all-rounder available for the tournament, but his current ability to bowl only five or six overs in an ODI remains a concern.
The meeting is an opportunity for the BCCI to assess India’s preparation, selection processes, workload management and injury rehabilitation before the next phase of the international calendar. With the New Zealand tour approaching, India will need greater clarity on all four fronts.
