India Squad for England Tour Announcement Live Updates: India A squad announced

The BCCI has named a strong India A squad for the upcoming tour of England. Abhimanyu Easwaran will lead the side, with Dhruv Jurel serving as vice-captain and wicketkeeper. The squad features a solid mix of experienced names and exciting young talent.
Squad:
Easwaran (C), Jaiswal, Karun Nair, Jurel (VC & WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shardul Thakur, Ishan Kishan (WK), Manav Suthar, Shams Mulani, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, Harshit Rana, Arzan Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sarfaraz Khan, Tushar Deshpande, Harsh Dubey.

Notable Additions:
Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan will join the squad ahead of the second match of the tour.

Shubman Gill’s coronation as India’s new Test captain appears imminent. TOI has learnt that the 25-year-old Punjab batsman, currently leading the Gujarat Titans in the IPL, will most likely be named skipper when the national selectors announce the squad for the upcoming tour of England, which includes a gruelling five-Test series.

Ever since Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 7, Gill, who served as Rohit’s deputy during India’s victorious 2025 Champions Trophy campaign, has been the frontrunner to take over the reins.

A couple of recent developments strongly indicate that the ‘Gill captaincy era’ is about to begin in Indian cricket. During the IPL 2025 season (before it was paused), when the Gujarat Titans were in Delhi to play the Delhi Capitals, Gill visited India head coach Gautam Gambhir’s residence for lunch. The two reportedly spoke for four to five hours.

Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket was unexpected—but according to Ravi Shastri, it was inevitable.

“He might be the fittest guy in the business, but when you’re mentally fried, the body listens,” Shastri said in The ICC Review. The two had spoken just a week prior, where Kohli expressed clarity and peace. “No doubts, no regrets.”

Kohli ends his red-ball career as a modern-day giant: 9,230 runs, 30 centuries, and a revolutionary captaincy era that changed Indian cricket's face. Together with Shastri, he conquered Australia, dominated the West Indies, and made India a force overseas.

Shastri believes Kohli’s intensity was both a gift and a weight. “He lived every delivery. That burns you out.”

But with a legacy already etched in stone, Shastri says Kohli walks away at the perfect time. “Let the next chapter begin.”

Virat Kohli’s surprise Test retirement may have shocked the world, but not former India coach Ravi Shastri. In a heartfelt interview, Shastri revealed that he spoke to Kohli a week before the announcement—and found a man at peace with his decision.

“There were no regrets,” Shastri said. “The mind had told the body it’s time to go.”

Kohli retires as India’s most successful Test captain (40 wins in 68 Tests), and fourth-highest run scorer with 9,230 runs and 30 centuries. But it wasn’t just numbers—it was his fiery presence, his passion, his unmatched intensity that made him a global superstar.

Shastri admitted Kohli’s complete immersion in the game came at a price. “It’s like he had to take all the catches, all the wickets. That level of involvement was bound to cause burnout.”

But he has no doubts: Kohli walks away with a legacy fully sealed. “There’s nothing left to achieve.”

Ashwin weighed in on Shubman Gill, one of the most talked-about contenders.
“He reminds me of Graeme Smith. When South Africa made Smith captain, he was very young and inexperienced too. But it worked.”

Ashwin said Gill is a popular name in the debate, and his leadership in IPL could strengthen his claim — but warned against making decisions based only on perception.

“Test captaincy isn’t about one match or one series. It’s a responsibility built on vision and first-class understanding.”

Ashwin suggested a refreshing new approach to selecting India’s Test captain.
“In Australia, they ask multiple candidates to present their leadership vision. What does captaincy mean to you? What will be your role? That’s a healthy way to approach leadership,” he said.

He stressed that no selector or coach knows a player's true character until they’ve spoken to them.
“Captaincy is about character. And that can’t be guessed — it must be understood.”

A call for structured thinking over gut calls.

The Women’s Selection Committee has picked Team India (Senior Women) squads for the upcoming tour of England. India will play five T20Is and three ODIs in England, starting June 28th, 2025.

India’s T20I Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (WK), Yastika Bhatia (WK), Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Shuchi Upadhyay, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare

India's ODI Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (WK), Yastika Bhatia (WK), Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Shuchi Upadhyay, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare

Ravichandran Ashwin floated Ravindra Jadeja as another possible candidate for Test captain.
“Jadeja is the most experienced player in that side. Maybe he can lead for two years and train someone like Gill under him,” he suggested.

He added that a captain should always be an automatic selection in the XI and by that logic, Jadeja deserves to be in the conversation.

Could the ever-reliable all-rounder be India’s bridge to the next era of leadership?

Ashwin named Jasprit Bumrah as his choice for India's next Test captain.
“He’s a national treasure. I’d be disappointed if Bumrah doesn’t get to captain India,” he said.

However, he added a word of caution — pointing out the challenges of workload management. “Bumrah has had back surgery. I’m not sure if he’ll want to put his body through five back-to-back Tests.”

Ashwin acknowledged Bumrah’s brilliance and calm head but said the decision has to factor in long-term sustainability.

Ravichandran Ashwin has broken his silence on the debate around India’s next Test captain. Speaking on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat, he said,
“Becoming India’s captain is not easy. If one person says something, it becomes an opinion. If 50 say the same, people believe it’s the truth — whether it is or not.”

Ashwin believes there's a leadership vacuum in the Indian Test team right now — and it must be addressed with both care and clarity.

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir offered prayers at Mumbai’s Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple on Thursday ahead of a gruelling five-Test series against England.

Gambhir will travel to England with the first batch of Test players on June 6, as BCCI finalises the squad and departure plans. Players finishing their IPL campaigns early will join him.

The series marks the beginning of India’s WTC 2025–27 campaign, with redemption on their minds after past Test setbacks in New Zealand and Australia.

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In a move that’s raised eyebrows, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have brought in veteran New Zealand pacer Tim Southee as a specialist skills consultant for the upcoming five-Test series against India.

Southee is expected to work closely with England’s fast bowlers during the high-profile home series, offering technical insights and experience in seam-friendly conditions.

India’s Test squad for the England series is yet to be announced, but the BCCI has begun planning player departures.

First batch, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, is set to leave on June 6.

Players exiting IPL 2025 after league stage will join this group.

While the Indian Test squad for the upcoming tour of England is yet to be announced, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already begun finalising the travel plans for the players and support staff. According to reliable sources, head coach Gautam Gambhir, along with the first batch of available players, is scheduled to depart for England on June 6.

India A are scheduled to play three matches on their upcoming tour of England — two against England Lions (May 30–June 2 and June 6–9), followed by a game against the senior India squad (June 13–16).

The scheduling clearly overlaps with the IPL 2025 playoffs, which are set to run from May 29 to June 3.

The delayed conclusion of IPL 2025 — now scheduled to end on June 3 following a one-week pause due to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan — is also expected to push back the selection of the India A squad for the upcoming England tour.

The India A team, which will serve as a crucial preparatory unit ahead of the senior team’s five-match Test series in England, is likely to be led by opener Abhimanyu Easwaran. The squad is also expected to feature established Test opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and promising wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel.

With the IPL schedule tightening player availability and the selection process, the BCCI is now working on a compressed timeline to finalise squads, training camps, and logistics ahead of the England tour.

Nair's domestic performances this season have been nothing short of remarkable.

In the 2024–25 Vijay Hazare Trophy, he amassed 779 runs in just eight innings, including five centuries — four of them consecutive. He carried that momentum into the Ranji Trophy, compiling 863 runs in nine matches and playing match-defining knocks in the final against Kerala. Despite an impressive Test average of 62.33 and a historic triple century, Nair has remained on the sidelines for years.

“If sheer performance in domestic cricket doesn’t get recognised, it becomes a bit of a challenge,” Kumble warned.

If recalled, Nair’s return would not only signal one of Indian cricket’s most compelling comebacks but also restore faith among the domestic circuit’s unsung performers.

Kumble’s endorsement for Nair isn't without reason. Once hailed as the next big thing in Indian cricket after his triple century against England in 2016, the 33-year-old quickly faded from national contention. However, Kumble believes Nair’s experience in English conditions and his recent domestic form make him a strong candidate for a comeback.

“Karun deserves to come back into the Indian team with the kind of domestic run he’s had,” said Kumble. Nair, who now plays for Vidarbha, has continued to hone his craft quietly but consistently — showing resilience and hunger rarely seen in discarded stars.

As the Indian men’s cricket team stands on the cusp of a significant transition, the absence of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from Test cricket marks the end of a golden era.

With a five-match Test series in England looming, the No. 4 spot — a position long held by Kohli and, before him, Sachin Tendulkar — is now up for grabs.

Former India captain Anil Kumble has weighed in on the debate, backing Karun Nair as a potential successor. “There has been no proper conversation around who’s going to bat at No. 4,” Kumble said. “And No. 4 is the most critical batting slot in England.” The upcoming tour will be India’s first in England since 1989 without either Tendulkar or Kohli, making this series historically unique — and unusually uncertain.

India A are set to feature in three four-day games against England Lions, starting May 30 in Canterbury, before the five-Test series against England gets underway on June 20. As of now, the players likely to be part of the main squad will only be flying in the first week of June and there is a bright possibility of some Test players featuring in the second unofficial Test before the intra-squad game.

Abhimanyu Easwaran is once again in the spotlight, this time as the leading contender to captain India A in the upcoming series against England Lions. With India's Test side undergoing a transition, Easwaran’s steady presence in the domestic circuit makes him a natural choice to guide a fresh, red-ball unit.

A proven performer for Bengal and a calm figure in the longer format, Easwaran has previously led India A with assurance. His leadership qualities, coupled with his experience in tough domestic conditions, align well with what’s expected in English seaming conditions.

The India A role has often been a springboard to the senior side, and selectors could use this series to assess Easwaran's readiness for the next level. With the spotlight firmly on red-ball specialists post-Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Tests, this tour could shape Easwaran’s future path.

More than just another stint, this assignment could be a pivotal chapter in Easwaran’s journey—both as a dependable run-scorer and a potential leader for India’s next generation of red-ball cricketers.

The Indian Test team is entering a new era as Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from the longest format on May 7. With 4,301 runs in 67 matches, Rohit exits after a dip in form, averaging just 10.93 in his last eight Tests.

Leading the race is Shubman Gill, seen as a long-term investment. Jasprit Bumrah and KL Rahul are also under consideration, while Rishabh Pant is likely to be named vice-captain.

With a five-Test series against England starting June 20, all eyes are on who will lead India in this crucial transition

Shardul Thakur is likely to make a return to the Indian Test team for the England tour.

The 33-year-old last played a Test in December 2023 against South Africa but was overlooked in 2024. However, a stellar season with Mumbai in the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy has brought him back into the reckoning.

Thakur picked up 35 wickets at 22.62 across nine games and contributed significantly with the bat — 505 runs at an average of 42.08, including a century and four fifties. He was Mumbai’s second-highest run-scorer.

India's depth in the middle order has taken a hit. Promising batters Devdutt Padikkal and Rajat Patidar are both ruled out of the England tour due to injuries — a cruel twist at a time when slots have opened up in the Test team following the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

Padikkal, who impressed for RCB this season with 247 runs in 10 matches, has suffered a right hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Patidar, expected to play a bigger role, is dealing with a finger injury and is likely to miss the rest of the IPL too.

Both were seen as contenders for the rebuilding Indian middle order, and their absence narrows India A's options.

With Rajasthan Royals out of the IPL playoffs race, young stars Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel are almost certain to be part of the India A squad to England.

Selectors want Jaiswal, India’s current Test opener, to get early match practice in English conditions before the five-Test series kicks off. "The selectors are keen Jaiswal gets some red-ball time ahead of the first Test," the BCCI insider added.

India A will be led by Abhimanyu Easwaran, a seasoned opener and captain at that level. The squad is expected to be finalised soon after the IPL playoff picture becomes clearer likely by May 23, when India’s main squad for the Test series is also expected to be announced.

The delayed conclusion of IPL 2025 — now set to end on June 3 — has thrown a spanner in the works for India A’s selection and preparation for their England tour. The tournament was paused for a week owing to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, and its rescheduled playoffs (May 29 – June 3) now directly clash with the India A fixtures.

India A are scheduled to play two matches against the England Lions (May 30–June 2 and June 6–9), followed by a game against the senior India team (June 13–16) before the first Test in Leeds on June 20.

The selection panel is in a fix. "Quite a few players who are in contention for the A tour will be occupied with their franchises if their teams qualify for the playoffs," a BCCI source told TOI.

For instance, Karun Nair, part of Delhi Capitals, is still in the playoff race, and his availability will depend on how things unfold in the coming days.

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has claimed that Virat Kohli might not have gotten the backing he anticipated from the BCCI and selectors, which led to him ending his Test cricket career with immediate effect.

“I think he wanted to continue in the format. There must have been some internal talks with the BCCI, the selectors may have cited his form in the past 5-6 years and told him his spot in the team may no longer be there. We will never find out what happened, it is very difficult to guess what actually took place behind the scenes.”

“But given the last minute decision, having played the Ranji trophy, I definitely think he wanted to come back in the upcoming Tests. The developments in the last few weeks, he may have not gotten the support he thought he will get from BCCI and selectors which he may not have gotten,” Kaif said in a conversation with news agency IANS.

Taking to Instagram, former India player Shikhar Dhawan shared an emotional message on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's retirements, reflecting on the camaraderie and memories shared with the two modern-day legends of Indian cricket.

"Pitch par sirf shots nahi, yaariyaan bhi banti hain. Proud to have shared the field with two of the finest, @rohitsharma45 and @virat.kohli. Thank you for the memories, the laughs, and the moments that created history. Test cricket will miss you," he wrote on Instagram.

“Great players. There will be a new captain because Sharma has retired. Kohli, one of the greatest Test batters that’s ever been. There’s big shoes to fill there but they’ve got a huge amount of talent in their squad,” said James Anderson on TalkSport. “You just have to watch the IPL. They are bringing players into Test cricket from the IPL now who are just so attacking, aggressive, and fearless.”

Anderson also urged England to not underestimate India while keeping their eyes on the Ashes later in the year. “It’s a huge year with the Ashes coming but it is important to get some momentum going.

“If I’m being honest, looking back at my career, that happened too much where, 18 months out from an Ashes the management and even the players starting to look towards that and actually forgetting what’s in front of you. India is going to be such a tough challenge even at home. They are a strong side,” said Anderson.

Team India is all set to take on England in a five-match Test series starting June 20. This series marks the beginning of India’s 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle and will be their first without senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the Test setup.

Here’s the full schedule with venue details and start times:

1st Test: June 20–24 – Headingley, Leeds

2nd Test: July 2–6 – Edgbaston, Birmingham

3rd Test: July 10–14 – Lord’s, London

4th Test: July 23–27 – Old Trafford, Manchester

5th Test: July 31–August 4 – The Oval, London

All matches will start at 3:30 PM IST.

"KL Rahul is one of the guys who might not be the youngster anymore, but he could fulfill the role. Technically, he's good. I think he can bat both ways, which I think a No. 4 has to be able to do. He needs to have a strong technique in case you lose one or two quick wickets. Then he needs to be able to step on the gas with regard to the run rate, which I think he can do as well," he said.

Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali believes Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket is a “massive blow” to the format, hailing the Indian great as a “pioneer” whose passion and charisma brought fans to stadiums much like Sachin Tendulkar once did. As India prepares for a stern five-Test challenge in England starting June 20 at Headingley, Moeen acknowledged that the absence of Kohli and Rohit Sharma is a significant setback for the visitors — and a timely advantage for the hosts. “It’s a massive blow to Test cricket. Virat was the one pioneer, the one guy in Test cricket that always pushed the format,” Moeen told Sky Sports. “He’s done so much for the game, especially in India. I think after Sachin, he was the guy everybody came to watch. He filled out stadiums.”

In the ongoing IPL season, Arshdeep Singh has 16 scalps to his name with an impressive economy rate of 8. In white-ball cricket, his real value comes when batsmen put the pedal to the metal in the last phase of the innings. Arshdeep was one of India’s heroes in the T20 World Cup, the tournament’s joint-leading wicket-taker with 17 dismissals to his name. It was he who bowled the 19th over in their famous T20 World Cup victory and kept things tight, conceding just 4 runs to strangle the South Africans in the final.

But coach Rai feels his ward is ready to step up. "Wo pak chuka hai (He is ripe now). He should get a chance to play in the red ball. He can bring the balance that India has been looking for so long," he said.

With his incredible skill to swing the ball both ways and his dexterity to hit the 6m length consistently, Arshdeep Singh is arguably the best of his type India has had since Zaheer Khan. With three A games before the five-match Test series, the Punjab seamer should at least get a chance.

In addition to the India and India A teams, India U-19, the women's team and the mixed disability team would all be in England during the summer. The India A team will play three unofficial tests, India will play five Tests, India women's team will feature in five T20Is and three ODIs and the U-19 are likely to play five one-dayers and two Tests.

"I think it will be Shubman Gill. Ideally they (BCCI) would want Jasprit Bumrah to captain because he is a very good captain, a good leader who has done it before," Moeen told Skysports.

"But because of his injury record he might not be a able to last the whole series, I think they'll give it (captaincy) to somebody who's done decently so far in Test cricket. Gill leads Gujarat Titans in IPL, so they've still got a very, very good captain, inexperienced yes but a good captain and good brain, but it'll be a challenge (in England conditions)," Moeen opined.

Moeen felt that if Gill is made captain, he should be ready for the challenges first-time captains face in English conditions.

"England is a challenge for anybody, any team that comes over and when it's your first time as captain, it's very, very difficult. So, I think the signs look good for England to take the series but I would never underestimate India or their ability they have with the bat in particular."

"But they have brilliant players who just don't have the experience of obviously playing in England and that's something that you need in England. I think it's a great chance for England."

India A are set to feature in three four-day games against England Lions, starting May 30 in Canterbury, before the five-Test series against England gets underway on June 20. As of now, the players likely to be part of the main squad will only be flying in the first week of June and there is a bright possibility of some Test players featuring in the second unofficial Test before the intra-squad game.

As per the initial plan, the India A players who will not be featuring in the Indian Premier League (IPL) knockouts will leave together and the rest will join when they get free from the cash-rich league. BCCI have reached out to multiple players and their passports, jersey sizes have been collected by the logistics team.

"I absolutely believe he could have continued playing red-ball cricket because he is physically very fit. But he started quite early, and mentally, only he knows whether he wanted to keep playing or not," Shikhar Dhawan told TimesofIndia.com.

"Sometimes a player can be physically fit but not feel it mentally. Virat is the only person who can answer that, and I’m sure he must have taken this decision after a lot of thought. He always treated Test cricket above any other format. So, he must have given it a lot of consideration before making this big decision," he added.

Star India batter Virat Kohli and his actor wife Anushka Sharma visited spiritual leader Premanand Govind Sharan Ji Maharaj in Vrindavan on Tuesday, a day after announcing his retirement from Test cricket. A video of the couple seeking blessings from the saint was shared on micro-blogging platform 'X' by the disciples of the revered leader. The clip featured a brief interaction between the couple and the spiritual leader, who asked Kohli if he was happy. Kohli and Anuskha listened with rapt attention when Premanand ji emphasised the significance of inner reflection and the transformative power of chanting God's name with devotion to attain inner peace and spiritual liberation.

With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepping away from Test cricket, Indian selectors are under pressure to plan for the future. The upcoming India A tour to England offers clues about what that future might look like.

The squad, led likely by Abhimanyu Easwaran, includes names like Baba Indrajith, Akash Deep, and Tanush Kotian, players who’ve earned their stripes in domestic cricket. These aren’t T20 stars or IPL sensations, they’re red-ball purists. And that tells us something about the direction Indian Test cricket may be heading.

This selection marks a return to fundamentals: discipline, temperament, and long-format experience. As the senior team prepares for life beyond stalwarts like Rohit and Virat Kohli, India A’s performance will guide succession planning.

The June 13-16 match between India A and the senior team will be particularly telling. It's more than just practice -- it's a litmus test for readiness. Which India A players rise to the challenge? Who makes a case to replace the old guard?

The answers could define the next five years of India’s Test journey.

Sarfaraz Khan’s absence from the probable India A and senior squads has raised questions. Despite a solid first-class record and long-standing fan support for his inclusion, Sarfaraz is currently recovering from an injury. This poses a dilemma for the selectors -- stick to the rule of proving fitness through domestic cricket or make an exception?

So far, the BCCI has preferred players to demonstrate match fitness before re-entering the selection frame. That precedent suggests Sarfaraz may have to wait, even if he’s now physically fit. Yet, given his weighty performances in past Ranji seasons, some argue he deserves a place on potential alone.

His case exemplifies how fragile and complex selection can be. Injuries don’t just take players off the field; they halt momentum, complicate narratives, and sometimes shift entire career paths. Sarfaraz's supporters will hope the selectors take a chance on him.

If included, he could provide stability and aggression to the middle order. If excluded, he may need another round of dominant domestic performances to force the door open again. Either way, Sarfaraz Khan remains one of the most talked-about names in Indian red-ball cricket, for all the right reasons.

Despite their high profiles, Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan are far from certain to be included in either the India A or senior Test squads. In Iyer’s case, his absence from the Test scene for over 15 months, despite 14 caps, reflects the selectors’ shifting priorities. Rumours suggest he’s not currently in the immediate plans.

Kishan’s case is more nuanced. While dynamic in white-ball formats, his red-ball credentials remain unproven. With Dhruv Jurel and Rishabh Pant seemingly preferred for wicketkeeping duties, Kishan’s role is uncertain. The selectors have not ruled him out entirely but appear cautious.

These decisions underline a broader trend: Indian selectors are increasingly looking at specialised red-ball performers rather than repurposing white-ball stars. Fitness, consistency, and temperament in longer formats are taking precedence over flair.

For both Iyer and Kishan, it may be time to re-establish themselves through domestic cricket or make a compelling case in upcoming opportunities. While their talent is undeniable, selection is no longer guaranteed by reputation alone.

Two names that stand out in the upcoming India A squad are Dhruv Jurel and Nitish Reddy — not just for their talent, but for their unique role. Both are expected to start with the A team but transition into the senior squad midway through the tour.

This move highlights the BCCI’s intent to use the India A tour as a talent funnel into the national side. Jurel, a promising wicketkeeper-batter, has already shown glimpses of brilliance in recent domestic seasons and the IPL. Nitish Reddy, known for his athleticism and composure, has impressed with both bat and ball.

The idea of players fluidly moving between squads shows a shift in how talent is managed. Instead of one-off call-ups, there’s a clear development pathway. Both players will first acclimate to English conditions with the A side before stepping up for the final match against the senior Indian team.

This transitional model isn’t just smart — it’s strategic. It gives the coaching staff more data on how players handle different levels of pressure and opponents. For Jurel and Reddy, this could be the start of long international careers — and for India, it could mean a smoother transition into a new generation of Test stars.

For years, India A tours have been a crucial testing ground for domestic performers. The upcoming series against England Lions is no different. Players like Tanush Kotian, Baba Indrajith, and Karun Nair, often overlooked despite consistent performances, now find themselves on the cusp of national recognition.

Tanush Kotian, an all-rounder from Mumbai, and Baba Indrajith, a dependable middle-order batter, represent the rich talent pool that rarely gets national exposure. With the IPL postponed and several big names unavailable, this series provides them the perfect platform to shine.

Karun Nair, who once scored a triple century in Test cricket but faded from the radar, now gets another chance to push for a comeback. Meanwhile, Ricky Bhui, despite being the top scorer in the 2023–24 Ranji Trophy, is reportedly not being considered, a decision that may raise eyebrows.

These shadow tours allow selectors to evaluate players under international-like pressure without the spotlight. For those on the fringes, a strong showing here can change their career trajectory.

In the absence of IPL’s glare, these players now have a rare stage to prove they belong, not just in the squad but in the long-term plans for Indian cricket.

While fans await the IPL's resumption, selectors are already deep into preparations for the India A tour of England. With the IPL schedule uncertain, picking a balanced India A squad has become an unprecedented challenge.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has advised selectors to prioritise non-IPL players or those likely to exit early from the tournament. This means some spots in the squad could shift depending on how IPL teams perform in the coming weeks.

The selectors met in Mumbai on May 6—just before Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Tests—to finalise much of the squad. Names like Easwaran, Karun Nair, and Baba Indrajith are reportedly set to feature.

This scenario showcases the complicated balancing act selectors face—ensuring the A squad is competitive while not disrupting the flow of the IPL or overloading key players. It’s a reminder of the logistical precision needed to run modern cricket in India, where domestic, international, and franchise priorities constantly intersect.

In this chaos, the selectors’ ability to stay clear-headed and strategic could define India’s bench strength for years to come.

Abhimanyu Easwaran is no stranger to leadership responsibilities. As the frontrunner to captain India A in the upcoming England Lions series, Easwaran finds himself at the heart of India’s red-ball rebuild. His consistent performances in domestic cricket, particularly in the longer format, make him an ideal candidate to lead a young and ambitious side.

Having led India A before and performed commendably for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, Easwaran brings the calm, maturity, and temperament needed for the English conditions. His inclusion as captain would signal the selectors’ intention to groom a stable hand who understands the grind of first-class cricket.

The India A captaincy has historically served as a launchpad to the senior team, and Easwaran will be eager to seize that opportunity. With the main Indian Test team entering a transitional phase post-Rohit Sharma, performances in this shadow tour will be watched closely.

For Easwaran, this is more than just another assignment—it could be the beginning of a larger role in Indian cricket. As he leads the team through tough English conditions, this tour could cement his status as a reliable red-ball stalwart and perhaps even a future senior team leader.

While IPL 2025 dominates the headlines, a significant yet quieter narrative is unfolding in the background, the India A vs England Lions series. Scheduled from May 30 to June 16, this three-match series is more than just a shadow tour. It offers a proving ground for players aspiring to break into the senior team.

With IPL playoff dynamics changing, selectors face the challenge of picking a competitive India A squad comprising non-IPL and early-exit players. The first two matches are against the England Lions, while the third pits India A against the senior India side.

This tour becomes even more critical as Indian Test cricket enters a new chapter post-Rohit Sharma’s retirement. Players like Abhimanyu Easwaran, Tanush Kotian, and Karun Nair are in contention, offering a glimpse into the potential future core of the Test side.

Shadow tours have historically been instrumental in developing top talent. With a new Test captain on the horizon and some stars possibly phasing out, the India A tour may help shape India’s long-term red-ball future. As the limelight stays on IPL, the real work on succession planning is happening quietly in England.

Andhra batsman Ricky Bhui, who emerged as the top scorer in the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy season, is unlikely to be selected for the India A squad. Despite his impressive domestic performance, Bhui's exclusion highlights the intense competition and the selectors' focus on players with specific skill sets suited for English conditions.

Factors such as fielding abilities, adaptability, and team balance often influence selection decisions beyond just batting averages. Bhui's omission serves as a reminder of the challenges domestic players face in breaking into the national setup.

The selection of wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan for the upcoming England tour remains uncertain.

With Dhruv Jurel and Rishabh Pant expected to be part of the senior squad, the wicketkeeping slots appear to be filled. Kishan's aggressive batting style and previous international experience make him a strong contender, but the current team composition may limit his opportunities.

The selectors may consider his inclusion based on team requirements and his performance in the ongoing IPL matches. Kishan's versatility and ability to adapt to different formats could work in his favour if a spot becomes available.

All-rounder Shardul Thakur is poised to make a comeback to the senior Indian team for the England Test series. Known for his knack for breaking partnerships and contributing valuable runs lower down the order, Thakur's inclusion adds balance to the team.

His experience in English conditions, where he has previously delivered impactful performances, will be crucial for India's success.

Thakur's return also brings depth to the pace attack, providing the team with more options to exploit the seam-friendly English pitches.