In a strategic move similar to that of European football clubs, Team India has opted to keep its intra-squad red-ball practice match behind closed doors, ahead of the highly anticipated five-Test series against England. The unofficial four-day game begins on June 13 and, unlike the recently televised India ‘A’ matches against the England Lions, this fixture will neither be broadcast nor carry First-Class status. In fact, even the scorecards are expected to be kept under wraps.
As per a PTI report, the decision comes straight from the Gautam Gambhir-led think tank, aimed at preventing England from gathering tactical intel. A similar approach was taken during India’s preparatory phase before the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, though the series didn’t end in India’s favour.
This intra-squad clash is particularly crucial, as it marks the only full match simulation for the new Shubman Gill-led Test side before the opener at Headingley on June 20. The timing couldn’t be more critical. With IPL 2025 wrapping up late, many senior players missed the India ‘A’ matches and now rely solely on this fixture for red-ball rhythm.
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The team management will also use it to address key questions, particularly around reshuffling the batting line-up post the retirements of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, and identifying the right bowling combinations.
Interestingly, players from the India ‘A’ squad who didn’t make the Test cut have stayed back and might feature in this game. For them, it’s a golden opportunity to stake a claim in case of any last-minute injury setbacks.
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Coach Gambhir, under scrutiny after two consecutive Test series defeats, struck a defiant tone in his address: “We can look at this tour as missing our three most experienced players, or we can see it as a phenomenal opportunity to create something special. I see hunger, passion, and commitment in this group. If we fight for every ball, every hour, this tour could be something memorable.”
