One of Indian cricket’s most technically gifted and adaptable batters, KL Rahul, has turned his focus back to red-ball cricket after a bittersweet IPL 2025 campaign. Leading the Delhi Capitals, Rahul couldn’t quite push the side into the playoffs, with DC finishing a close fifth, just outside the top four. The franchise’s narrow miss sparked many “what if” discussions among fans, but Rahul isn’t dwelling on the past. Instead, he’s ready to shift gears and prepare for the upcoming England tour by joining the India A squad.
According to reports, Rahul has conveyed his availability to the BCCI for the second unofficial Test against the England Lions. Although he won’t be able to make it in time for the first match starting May 30 in Canterbury, Rahul is expected to fly to the UK on Monday to be part of the squad for the second match, scheduled to begin on June 6.
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“He will be flying on Monday and will be playing the second unofficial Test with the India A side. Since he’s in contention for the senior team’s five-match Test series in England, these games offer crucial match practice and valuable time in the middle,” a source told The Indian Express.
KL Rahul requested BCCI to allow him to play in the 2nd match for India A to prepare for the England Test series as he couldn’t do much in India because of weather in Mumbai/Bengaluru. [Sahil Malhotra from TOI] pic.twitter.com/eXrMrU3Ro1
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 30, 2025
Before the official Test series begins, the senior team will also play an intra-squad game in Beckenham on June 13, followed by the first Test at Leeds on June 20. Rahul’s proactive decision to feature in the India A game reflects his deep-rooted commitment to the longest format of the game.
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In a recent interview with Sky Sports, KL Rahul reaffirmed his passion for Test cricket, saying, “I love red-ball cricket. You can’t take that away from me or anyone who is part of this Indian team. We all feel Test cricket is number one. That hasn’t changed for me.”
Reflecting on his early cricket memories, he added, “I grew up watching Test cricket with my father. We’d wake up at five in the morning to watch Tests in Australia. That passion has stayed with me.”
