IND vs ENG: India A Team Announcement for England Tour Coming Soon, Karun Nair’s Return Possible, Captaincy Decisions in the Air
Indian selectors are preparing to announce the India A team for the upcoming tour of England, with Karun Nair potentially making his return and a new captain to be named soon.
INVC NEWS New Delhi — While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) remains focused on IPL 2025 preparations, behind the scenes, the Indian selectors are already gearing up for India’s tour of England. Media reports suggest that the India A team will be announced on May 13, set to play red-ball matches against the England Lions, with some players likely being promoted to the senior squad based on their performances.
Key Players in the Running for Selection
The India A team will have a key fixture against England Lions, with three matches scheduled from May 30 to June 2 and June 6 to June 9, plus a match against the senior Indian team from June 13 to June 16. The senior team will be selected shortly after, with a new captain expected to take charge.
Abhimanyu Easwaran Likely to Lead India A
According to reports, Abhimanyu Easwaran is a strong contender to take over the India A captaincy. His leadership will be key as the team looks to build momentum before the senior squad arrives in England.
Selectors Guided by IPL Schedule
Given the challenges posed by the IPL’s postponed schedule, the BCCI has advised selectors to focus on players not involved in the IPL playoffs. This will likely influence the final selection for both the India A and senior teams.
Possible Return of Shardul Thakur & Karun Nair’s Comeback
While Shardul Thakur is a likely inclusion for the senior team, Karun Nair, along with Tanush Kotian, Baba Indrajit, Akash Deep, and others, are also in contention for the India A team. Dhruv Jurel and Nitish Reddy are expected to make the cut for the A team but may later be included in the senior squad.
Uncertainty Around Iyer and Kohli’s Future Decisions
Shreyas Iyer’s participation remains uncertain, depending largely on whether Virat Kohli reconsiders his Test retirement and joins the team. Iyer, who hasn’t played a Test in over 15 months, is not currently a part of the selectors’ plans for either India A or the senior team.
Sarfaraz Khan’s Selection Still Pending
Despite a strong domestic record, Sarfaraz Khan’s selection is on hold as he recovers from a long injury break. Reports suggest the selectors want him to play some domestic matches before considering him for the national team.
Key Updates on Mukesh Kumar and Yash Dayal
Bowlers like Mukesh Kumar, renowned for his swing bowling, and Yash Dayal, a strong left-handed option, are also in contention for selection, depending on their IPL performances. Mukesh’s prospects will largely depend on how far his IPL team progresses.
