Team India’s European tour has taken a delightful crossover turn, with cricketers soaking in football fever ahead of the all-important fourth Test. On Monday, Shreyas Iyer was spotted in Barcelona, paying a visit to the iconic Spanish football club. FC Barcelona acknowledged the visit warmly with a post on X (formerly Twitter): “Thanks for the visit, Shreyas Iyer. Once a culer, always a cule.”
A day earlier, the Indian men’s cricket team mingled with Manchester United players during a light-hearted post-match training session at Old Trafford. The fun-filled interaction served as a perfect breather ahead of the high-pressure fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England.
Shreyas Iyer visited FC Barcelona’s museum while on holiday in Spain 🔴🔵
📸: FC Barcelona #ShreyasIyer #Barcelona #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/zYURVOsQKa
— InsideSport (@InsideSportIND) July 21, 2025
Team India’s official Instagram post titled “United in Manchester” captured candid moments of the crossover. Skipper Shubman Gill and vice-captain Rishabh Pant donned the Manchester United jersey and were seen trying their luck with penalty kicks. Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj added to the camaraderie by bowling a delivery to United centre-back Harry Maguire.
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Among the most talked-about photos was the jersey exchange between head coach Gautam Gambhir and Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim, both sharing a hug and a laugh. Shubman Gill and Bruno Fernandes followed suit, posing in good spirits. Notably, spinner Kuldeep Yadav—an ardent football admirer—was seen paying close attention during Amorim’s tactical talk with players.
Meanwhile, India’s Test squad received a new addition in pacer Anshul Kamboj. The 24-year-old was called up after Arshdeep Singh sustained a cut on his bowling hand. Kamboj, who has picked up 79 wickets in 24 First-Class games for Haryana, was recently in action for India A and brings promising form into the squad.
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Elsewhere, Manchester United played out a goalless draw against Leeds United in their opening Tour 2025 pre-season clash in Sweden, with newcomers Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon showing early promise.
