BCCI’s red ball reset: Mhatre, Sooryavanshi in focus for four day games

After a difficult phase in Test cricket that saw India suffer five home defeats against New Zealand and South Africa during 2024 and 2025 , the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has begun charting a fresh roadmap to strengthen the country’s red ball future. At the centre of this plan is the Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru , headed by former India great VVS Laxman , which is preparing to host a special four day intra centre tournament for the nation’s brightest young cricketers.

Scheduled to take place in June and July after the Indian Premier League , the tournament will feature 64 players under the age of 25 . The aim is to identify promising red ball talent and build a strong pipeline for the Indian Test team over the coming decade.

Young cricketers who have already made headlines in domestic cricket and the IPL, including Ayush Mhatre and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi , are expected to be among those taking part.

The format will see the 64 players divided into four squads of 16 , with each team playing two four day matches at the COE facility in Bengaluru. Curators are expected to prepare different pitch conditions to ensure players are tested in varied situations and gain meaningful long format experience.

The selection process will draw talent from multiple pathways. Around 25 players will be chosen by the junior selection committee , led by S Sharath, based on performances in tournaments such as the Cooch Behar Trophy (U19) and CK Nayudu Trophy (U22). Another 25 players will be selected by the senior selection panel from strong performers in domestic competitions including the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy , particularly those not involved in the IPL.

The remaining 14 slots are likely to go to young IPL players , ensuring emerging T20 stars also develop their red ball skills.

Following the tournament, the top 25 performers will form a core group expected to represent India Emerging and India A teams on upcoming tours , including a planned four day series in Sri Lanka. With chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir kept in the loop, the BCCI’s message is clear: reviving India’s red ball depth is now a major priority.