The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled the India A squad for its highly anticipated tour of England in 2025, a crucial platform for emerging cricketers to showcase their talent and gain valuable international experience. Led by Abhimanyu Easwaran, the squad blends youthful exuberance with seasoned expertise, featuring standout players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Ishan Kishan. This tour is poised to play a pivotal role in preparing players for the senior Indian team’s upcoming five-match Test series against England.
Squad Composition
The 18-member India A squad is a well-balanced unit, combining dynamic batsmen, versatile all-rounders, and a formidable bowling attack. Abhimanyu Easwaran, a consistent performer in domestic cricket, will captain the side, with Dhruv Jurel serving as vice-captain and one of two wicketkeepers.
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
View this post on Instagram
For the second match of the tour, the squad will be reinforced by Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill, both of whom are highly regarded for their batting prowess. Gill, already a mainstay in the senior team, will use this opportunity to gain additional match practice, while Sudharsan aims to solidify his case for higher honors.
Tour Itinerary
| India A tour of England | |||||||
| No. | Day & Date (From) | Day & Date (To) | Time (local) | Match | Venue | ||
| 1 | Fri | May 30, 2025 | Mon | 02-June-25 | 10:00 | 1st first-class | Canterbury |
| 2 | Fri | June 6, 2025 | Mon | 09-June-25 | 10:00 | 2nd first-class | Northampton |
| 3 | Fri | 13-June-25 | Mon | 16-June-25 | 10:00 | Intra-squad | Beckenham |
The final match against the senior Indian team serves as a warm-up for the five-match Test series, offering India A players a chance to impress the national selectors. The tour’s timing, however, coincides with the IPL 2025 final on June 3. If Gujarat Titans, featuring Sudharsan and Gill, reach the final, their availability for the second game on June 6 could be tight. The BCCI is expected to manage logistics to ensure their participation, given the short three-day gap.
Significance of India A Tours
India A tours have long been a cornerstone of the BCCI’s talent development strategy, providing young cricketers with exposure to international conditions and high-pressure scenarios. Many current Indian stars, including Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, have honed their skills on such tours. The 2025 England tour is particularly significant, as it offers players like Jaiswal and Gaikwad a platform to build on their domestic and IPL performances and stake a claim for senior team selection.
The inclusion of experienced players like Karun Nair, who scored a triple century in Test cricket, and Shardul Thakur, a proven all-rounder, adds depth and mentorship to the squad. Nair will be eager to make a comeback to the national side, while Thakur’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball strengthens the team’s versatility.
Challenges and Opportunities
The tour presents both challenges and opportunities for the India A squad. Playing in England, with its swinging conditions, will test the batsmen’s technique and temperament. The bowlers, particularly the pacers, will relish the chance to exploit seam-friendly pitches. The match against the senior Indian team adds an extra layer of intensity, as players vie for the attention of selectors ahead of the Test series.
The potential IPL scheduling conflict for Sudharsan and Gill underscores the BCCI’s challenge in balancing domestic and international commitments. However, the board’s proactive approach suggests that contingency plans are in place to ensure a smooth transition for all players.
The India A tour of England in 2025 is set to be a defining moment for many aspiring cricketers. With a well-rounded squad led by Abhimanyu Easwaran, the team is poised to make a strong impression against England Lions and the senior Indian side. For players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Ishan Kishan, this tour represents a golden opportunity to shine on a bigger stage and inch closer to cementing their places in Indian cricket’s future.
Also Read: IPL 2025: Karun Nair & Mukesh Kumar To Miss Playoffs