In the high-octane world of modern cricket, switching formats isn’t just a skill – it’s survival. And once again, India’s multi-format stars find themselves juggling the whites and blues as they gear up for an intense few weeks ahead.
With the Asia Cup 2025 kicking off on September 9 in the UAE, all eyes are on Suryakumar Yadav and his men as they look to reclaim continental dominance. But while fans dream of lifting another T20 title, a different kind of preparation is already underway – one that involves the quiet rhythm of red-ball cricket.
Dual Focus: T20 Glory & Test Duty
Amid the glitz and firepower of the Asia Cup, a select group of players, including Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Kuldeep Yadav, are also quietly shifting gears behind the scenes. These players are expected to feature in the two-Test series against the West Indies, which starts just four days after the Asia Cup concludes – provided India makes the final.
With such a tight turnaround, there’s no room for downtime. As per InsideSport, these players will undergo red-ball training sessions during the Asia Cup, balancing the demands of two formats simultaneously.
It’s not unfamiliar territory. Earlier this year, during the IPL 2025, several Indian players, including Gill, were seen training with the red ball ahead of the England Test series. This time, however, the challenge is steeper – managing Test prep while playing a multi-nation T20 tournament.
Gill & Co. Walking the Tightrope
For someone like Shubman Gill, the last few years have been a constant swing between formats. A stroke-maker in ODIs and T20s, and a dependable anchor in Tests, Gill now finds himself at the core of India’s plans across all formats. The ability to mentally shift from a 20-over blitz to a five-day grind isn’t easy, but it’s fast becoming the norm.
And it’s not just about adapting technique – it’s about managing the mental switch, recovery, and training loads. Fortunately for India, players like Bumrah and Kuldeep have shown they’re up for the task.
“You can’t really afford to slow down these days. The transition from T20s to Tests is something we prepare for all year,” said a member of the support staff on condition of anonymity.
A Crucial Test Series on the Horizon
India’s two-Test series against the West Indies kicks off on October 2, with matches scheduled in Ahmedabad and Delhi. These games are not just about bilateral pride – they are part of India’s World Test Championship (WTC) campaign.
Coming off a competitive tour of England earlier this year, the team will be eager to consolidate their position in the WTC table. The West Indies, meanwhile, have shown signs of resurgence in the longest format and will be no pushovers.
The Modern Cricketer’s Reality
Format switches are no longer rare occurrences – they’re a defining feature of the modern cricket calendar. From red-ball nets during IPL to fitness sessions squeezed between ODIs, India’s top players are constantly adapting.
And while fans watch the Asia Cup with their hearts in their mouths, know that behind the sixes and yorkers, there’s another story quietly unfolding. A story of preparation, adaptation, and commitment to the longer format of the game.
Because when the lights dim on the Asia Cup and the whites come out in Ahmedabad, you’ll see the same faces but with a different focus.
