India A are all set to lock horns with England Lions in the 1st unofficial Test that commences from May 30. The team will be led by captain Abhimanyu Easwaran and will see several stars in action who are also a part of the main squad. The series is the perfect ground for players like Shardul Thakur and Karun Nair to prove their worth ahead of their much-awaited comeback to the Indian Test team.
All eyes on Shardul, Nair in India A series
Easwaran, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nair, Shardul, Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Reddy and Akash Deep are the stars who are a part of the main squad and will also feature in the India A series. While most of them did feature in the IPL, the focus will certainly be on Shardul and Nair especially as the prepare to return to the Test side after a long time.
Nair is set to make his re-entry to the Test team after nearly over 7 years. He last played for India in 2017. In six Tests, he has amassed 374 runs to his name, including a highest score of an unbeaten 303. His path to redemption stems from consistent performances in domestic cricket. In Ranji Trophy 2024/25, he finished with 690 runs to his name, averaging 40.98.
The India A series will be an audition for Karun to determine where exactly he fits in the main squad’s XI. After all, there is a huge void that needs to be filled following Virat Kohli’s abrupt decision to retire.
Shardul made his last Test appearance in 2023. Since then, he was out of the favour of the selectors. However, like Nair, he earned his way back to the side with consistent performances in the domestic tournaments. With Bumrah set to not play more than three Tests and in the absence of Shami, the team will turn to Thakur – both in terms of bat and ball. He is bound to get the green signal ahead of Nitish Kumar Reddy. But his performances in the India A tour will determine if he manages to succeed.
What can Easwaran do?
Easwaran has played 101 first-class games and has amassed 7674 runs. However, he has never managed to break into the India cricket team’s Test XI. He was a part of the team in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia but never got a chance. While it is highly unlikely that he will get a spot in the series against England, he does have the upper hand.
Easwaran will not only lead India A but also have at least three matches in hand to prove that he is worthy of a spot in the playing XI. Especially since Sai Sudharsan, who has been named in the side, but isn’t going to take part in the tour.
The Nitish Reddy dilemma
Nitish Kumar Reddy was fast-tracked to the Indian Test team following his exceptional all-round performance in IPL 2024. He topped it up with a fighting hundred in Australia. However, his form off late has been poor. He failed to create an impact in both the second leg of Ranji Trophy and IPL 2025. Should he desire to fetch a spot in the Indian team ahead of Shardul, then the India A series is the only platform where he can prove his worth.
What happens to Sarfaraz Khan?
One notable exclusion from the main squad was that of Sarfaraz’s. The batter, who was injured during the tour to Australia, took up a strict training routine that even saw him shed at least 10 kgs in hopes of being selected for the England tour. However, he only managed to find a spot in the India A side and not the main squad.
Known for his consistent performances back at home, the India A series will be the perfect platform for Khan to exhibit that he can thrive in overseas conditions as well. After all, his performances in the India A series can be the only ticket that guarantees his wild card entry to the main squad.
India A team for England tour
Abhimanyu Easwaran (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karun Nair, Dhruv Jurel (VC) (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shardul Thakur, Ishan Kishan (WK), Manav Suthar, Tanush Kotian, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, Harshit Rana, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sarfaraz Khan, Tushar Deshpande, Harsh Dubey
India A schedule
No.Day & Date (From)Day & Date (To)Time (local)MatchVenue1Fri30-May-25Mon02-June-2510:00 AM1st first-classCanterbury2Fri06-June-25Mon09-June-2510:00 AM2nd first-classNorthampton3Fri13-June-25Mon16-June-2510:00 AMIntra-squadBeckenhamKarun Nair, Shardul Thakur face litmus test in India A series ahead of Test comeback Inside Sport India.
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