As the IPL 2025 playoffs create a buzz in Mullanpur and Ahmedabad, the focus for many Indian cricketers and coaches has already begun to shift from white-ball fireworks to the red-ball grind in England. On May 30, the India ‘A’ team starts an important first-class series against the England Lions in Canterbury. This series not only serves as a preparation platform but also functions as an unofficial selection trial for India’s senior team ahead of their five-Test series in England, beginning June 20 in Leeds.
The India ‘A’ squad is being captained by opener Abhimanyu Easwaran, a consistent performer in domestic cricket who now has a golden opportunity to break into the Test team. For years, Easwaran has been seen as a standby option behind established openers like Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal. However, with Rohit Sharma likely stepping away from red-ball cricket, the door may finally be opening for Easwaran to secure a long-awaited debut.
Still, Easwaran’s place in the final Test squad is not set in stone. His past performances have come under scrutiny, especially during the 2022 India ‘A’ tour of Australia, where he managed scores of less than 17 in all four innings. That poor run allowed KL Rahul to reclaim his spot at the top of the order when Rohit was unavailable. With players like B. Sai Sudharsan and Test vice-captain Shubman Gill expected to link up with the squad for the second match, Easwaran’s opportunity to shine might be brief but holds immense significance.
“This is Easwaran’s moment. The window is small, but the stakes are high,” said a senior BCCI official tracking the selection process.
For Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, the England tour serves as more of a tune-up before joining the senior team. All three are anticipated to be part of the final Test squad. The series is especially crucial for Sarfaraz Khan, who has long awaited consistent chances at the international level. Despite being included in squads, he did not get a game during India’s tour of Australia and was also overlooked for the home Tests against England earlier this year. This series offers him another lifeline to demonstrate his prowess in challenging overseas conditions.
“The red-ball tour is extremely important for Sarfaraz. If he delivers here, he puts himself right back in the reckoning,” said a source close to the team management.
From a bowling perspective, the series is a key opportunity for seamers like Shardul Thakur and Akash Deep to acclimate to the Dukes ball, a crucial factor in English conditions. Thakur, who has experience in English Tests, and Akash Deep, who impressed during his recent Test debut, will lead a pace attack packed with potential. Joining them are Tushar Deshpande, Mukesh Kumar, Harshit Rana, Khaleel Ahmed, and Anshul Kamboj.
Among them, Kamboj is attracting significant attention. His performance in the Ranji Trophy—where he picked up a stunning 10-wicket haul against Kerala—has made him a serious contender for a reserve pacer spot on the England Test tour. His ability to extract movement and maintain control makes him a valuable asset in conditions that reward such skill sets.
“Kamboj has the tools for English pitches—swing, seam, and a sharp cricketing brain,” said a former India pacer who has been mentoring young bowlers.
In total, the India ‘A’ squad features at least seven players who are directly in contention for spots in the senior Test team. Such a high number of Test hopefuls participating in an ‘A’ series is uncommon and highlights the importance of this tour for India’s red-ball strategy. As the national team undergoes a generational shift in its Test lineup, this preparatory phase is vital for identifying who is ready to step up.
The selectors will be closely monitoring performances, especially since the Test team is in transition and looking to rebuild after the exits or phasing out of senior players. The tour conditions and opposition, while not exactly mirroring the main Test series, will provide a strong enough challenge to evaluate temperament, technique, and form.
“The team is evolving, and this series is like a job interview in whites,” remarked a senior selector.
India ‘A’ boasts a balanced squad blending youth with experience. Apart from Easwaran and Jaiswal, the batting lineup includes experienced names like Karun Nair and Sarfaraz Khan. Dhruv Jurel will serve as the vice-captain and wicketkeeper, while Ishan Kishan is the second wicketkeeper in the side. Other promising talents like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Tanush Kotian add depth. The spin attack will be manned by Manav Suthar and Harsh Dubey, alongside Kotian.
The fast bowling department, as mentioned, is robust and features a mix of established and up-and-coming names. The depth of the bowling attack, particularly in seaming conditions, will be critical not just for the outcomes of the ‘A’ games but for informing Test squad decisions.
The England Lions, on the other hand, have also named a competitive side. Captained by James Rew, their squad includes exciting young talents such as Rehan Ahmed, Farhan Ahmed, Jordan Cox, and Rocky Flintoff—son of former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff. The squad also features seasoned players like Chris Woakes, whose presence will add quality to the Lions’ bowling unit.
England Lions Squad: James Rew (C), Farhan Ahmed, Rehan Ahmed, Sonny Baker, Jordan Cox, Rocky Flintoff, Emilio Gay, Tom Haines, George Hill, Josh Hull, Eddie Jack, Ben McKinney, Dan Mousley, Ajeet Singh Dale, Chris Woakes.
India ‘A’ Squad: 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.
With only weeks left before the senior team begins their demanding five-Test campaign, these matches in Canterbury will carry weight far beyond the scoreboard. Performances here will determine who will make the cut when India walks out at Headingley on June 20.
In this competitive atmosphere, one thing is certain: the India ‘A’ tour of England is no mere warm-up—it’s an audition for Test cricket’s grandest stage.