The Board of Control for Cricket in India has announced the India A squad for the upcoming red-ball tour of England, with abhimanyu easwaran appointed as captain. This tour offers a vital platform for emerging Indian cricketers to showcase their skills in challenging English conditions and stake their claim for a place in the senior national team.
India A is set to play two four-day matches against the England Lions. The first match will be held in Canterbury from May 30 to June 2, followed by the second game in Northampton from June 6 to June 9. Additionally, an intra-squad match against the senior Indian team is scheduled to take place in Beckenham from June 13 to June 16, providing further opportunities for players to impress selectors.
The squad blends experienced domestic performers with promising young talents. Leading the team is abhimanyu easwaran, a seasoned opener from Bengal known for his consistent performances in India’s domestic circuit. Easwaran’s leadership will be key as the team navigates English conditions, which are notoriously challenging for subcontinental batsmen.
One of the most notable inclusions is Karun Nair, who returns to the India A setup after an eight-year hiatus. Nair has made a remarkable comeback following a prolific 2024-25 domestic season, where he amassed 863 runs with four centuries in the Ranji Trophy and 779 runs, including five centuries, in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His strong form makes him a critical batting option for the team and adds depth to the middle order.
The squad also includes several other promising batsmen like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Manav Suthar, Sarfaraz Khan, and Ruturaj Gaikwad, offering a balance of youth and experience. Wicketkeeping duties will be shared by Dhruv Jurel, who is also the vice-captain, and Ishan Kishan, both capable behind the stumps and handy with the bat.
India A’s bowling attack comprises a mix of pace and spin options, featuring seasoned names like Shardul Thakur and Khaleel Ahmed, alongside emerging talents such as Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, Tanush Kotian, Harshit Rana, Anshul Kamboj, Tushar Deshpande, and Harsh Dubey. Dubey earned his maiden call-up after taking a record 69 wickets in the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy, highlighting his potential as a rising star in Indian cricket.
The inclusion of Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan is anticipated ahead of the second game, adding further strength to the squad. This tour is seen as a stepping stone for these players, especially in the wake of retirements by senior stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, leaving gaps in the Indian team that new talent will aim to fill.
Overall, the India A tour of England represents a crucial opportunity for these players to gain valuable experience in foreign conditions, prove their readiness for international cricket, and contribute to the future success of Indian cricket. Fans and selectors alike will be watching closely as this young squad competes against England Lions in what promises to be a competitive and exciting series.
