Some of India’s top players could be included in the ‘A’ squad that will take on the Lions in two four-day matches in late May and early June. This is all part of their prep for the five-Test series against England. India’s trip starts on June 20 with the first Test at Headingley, where they’ll be aiming to win their first series in England since 2007.
The first four-day match kicks off on May 30 at The Spitfire Ground in Canterbury, followed by the second match at the County Ground in Northampton on June 6, according to a statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Right now, all the big-name Indian cricketers are busy with their IPL teams, as the knockout games will happen on May 20, 21, and 23, with the final on May 25. This gives selectors enough time to announce the India A squad before they head to England. Karun Nair may be a candidate for that squad. He’s been performing well this season, being the top run-scorer in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the fourth highest in the Ranji Trophy with 863 runs from nine matches, averaging 54 with four centuries and two fifties. His form helped Vidarbha win their third Ranji title against Kerala.
There’s enough time to announce the squad, probably before or just after the knockouts. Then we’ll know which players are available, a source told PTI, wishing to remain unnamed. Rohit Sharma is expected to lead the senior team in England, even though he hasn’t had great games recently and has faced two Test series losses against New Zealand and Australia.
The team will also be keeping an eye on star bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who is recovering from a back injury he got during the Australia tour. He won’t be playing in the early matches of the IPL 2025 for the Mumbai Indians.
