Jaiswal, Gaikwad, Gill and Thakur headline promising 18-member lineup
A strong 18-man India “A” team has been formally named by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the forthcoming tour of England, which is set to start on May 30, 2025. Experienced opener Abhimanyu Easwaran will lead the team, and Dhruv Jurel will serve as both the primary wicketkeeper and vice captain.
Exciting young talents Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad are among the top names in the squad, indicating a strong intention to test future stars in challenging English conditions. Gaikwad’s selection is particularly noteworthy as it signals his recovery from an elbow injury that prematurely ended his IPL 2025 stint with the Chennai Super Kings.
Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan are set to join the squad for the second four-day match, offering added firepower and experience, especially if their IPL team Gujarat Titans do not make it to the finals on June 3.
Alongside Karun Nair, Sarfaraz Khan, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, the batting lineup is rich with domestic and India-level experience. Shardul Thakur has been rewarded for his consistent domestic performances, while the pace department sees a strong presence with Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana, Tushar Deshpande, Anshul Kamboj, and Akash Deep.
On the spin front, India ‘A’ will rely on Manav Suthar, Tanush Kotian, and Harsh Dubey, the latter having recently been crowned Player of the Tournament in the Ranji Trophy.
The England tour is poised to be a critical stepping stone for several rising stars. With Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad already out of the IPL 2025 playoffs, players like Jaiswal and Reddy can join the squad early and acclimatize to red-ball conditions in England.
The three-match series includes two four-day unofficial Tests against the England Lions and a final tour match against the senior Indian side before the five-Test series begins.
Full India ‘A’ Squad:
Abhimanyu Easwaran (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Karun Nair, Sarfaraz Khan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Dhruv Jurel (VC, WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Shardul Thakur, Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana, Akash Deep, Anshul Kamboj, Tushar Deshpande, Manav Suthar, Tanush Kotian, Harsh Dubey.
(Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan to join for second game)
This series promises to be a crucial opportunity for young Indian players to prove their mettle and push for senior team selection, especially with India’s long home and away Test calendar coming up.
