The first unofficial Test match between India A and England A is underway in Canterbury. But the entire focus remains on the second practice game. That’s because newly appointed India Test captain Shubman Gill has been slated to feature in that match from June 6 to 9.
Shubman Gill to skip India A tour?
However, reports suggest that Gill has asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for some rest. Gujarat Titans (GT) were knocked out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 on May 30, giving Gill a couple of days to rest and travel.
But one can’t forget that Gill has been on the road since February. Starting with an ODI series against England, then the Champions Trophy, which was followed by the IPL. It’s only natural, that he will want a couple of days off to rest, physically and mentally. And then play in the intra-squad match from June 13 to 16 in Beckenham.
KL Rahul to face the England Lions?
After we heard that Gill might be opting out, we also heard that KL Rahul could fly to England soon. His IPL team, Delhi Capitals, was knocked out early and his last game with them was on May 24. Rahul had also played India A matches against Australia A to prepare for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. So, this move won’t be shocking.
Gill & Rahul, going to England or not?
So, are these two reports true? Yudhvir Singh, a member of the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) Board of Directors, who has been announced as team manager for the upcoming tour of England, has answered the question.
“I have not received any information yet. Once the Indian Premier League (IPL) is done, we will figure out if there are any changes to the squad,” Yudhvir told Sportstar.
India A squad for England Lions series
Abhimanyu Easwaran (c), Dhruv Jurel (vc & wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karun Nair, 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.
Additions for 2nd Match: Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan.
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