India's disappointing 1-3 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, despite a promising start with a victory in Perth, has highlighted several flaws in the team’s preparation and adaptability. This defeat also means India have failed to qualify for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final for the first time. Amid these circumstances, former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar believes it’s time for Team India to plan more carefully for long Test tours and include more proper first-class matches in the schedule.

“When you play overseas, you need some first-class matches there to get used to the weather and playing conditions. So go there early and play those games and get the experience. Even between Test matches, when there is a gap of over a week, use that to play another first-class game so that those out of form can try and regain it while those in the reserves get the opportunity to show they can be selected if required. The seniors don’t have to play these matches if they don’t want to, but the guys touring that country for the first time need to get this invaluable practice,” Gavaskar suggested.