India vs England Test 2025 Preparation Highlights
With just days remaining before India’s five-match Test series against England begins on June 20, the spotlight has turned toward the seven India hopefuls who participated in India A’s two four-day matches against England Lions. These unofficial games, held in Canterbury and Northampton, ended in draws, but their value lay in individual performances—not results.
Here’s a deep-dive analysis of how each of the seven Test probables fared, and what it means for their chances in the main squad.
⸻
1. Karun Nair’s Redemption Arc: From Oblivion to No. 4
Karun Nair’s return to the Test frame after nearly eight years has become a major talking point. With Virat Kohli’s No. 4 slot now vacant due to retirement, the Karnataka batter may finally get a long-awaited second chance.
Nair’s tour performance has justified the selectors’ faith:
•First match: A commanding double century at No. 3
•Second match: Scores of 40 and 15 while batting at No. 4
His ability to adapt to different positions and handle English seamers makes him a frontrunner for the critical middle-order slot.
2. KL Rahul’s Comeback: The Big Positive
Despite not being part of the initial India A squad, KL Rahul personally requested to join the tour following his early IPL exit. His decision paid off handsomely.
In the second unofficial Test, Rahul showed his class:
•First innings: Scored a century
•Second innings: Followed up with a half-century
More importantly, Rahul batted with clarity, technique, and patience—traits that bode well for a long England series. He might begin as a middle-order option but could also double as a wicketkeeper if required.
⸻
3. Yashasvi Jaiswal Faces English Reality Check
Expected to open the innings alongside Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal faced a stern examination of his technique against the moving ball.
His stats from four innings:
•Total runs: 107
•Highest score: Fifty
While Jaiswal’s attacking flair was evident, the lateral movement in English conditions seemed to challenge his front-foot dominance. The management will hope he adjusts quickly before June 20.
4. Easwaran Steady but Unspectacular
Abhimanyu Easwaran, the India A captain, may not have set the scoreboard on fire, but he delivered consistency—something selectors value in an overseas opener.
Key stats:
•Runs: 167 in two matches
•Two fifties across four innings
Easwaran is currently seen as a back-up opener, but if Jaiswal struggles early in the series, the Bengal batter could be drafted in quickly.
⸻
5. Reddy vs Thakur: A Battle Without a Winner
This tour was also crucial in deciding the all-rounder pecking order, especially between Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shardul Thakur.
Reddy’s Performance:
•Runs: 135 (1 fifty)
•Wickets: Only 2 in two matches
Reddy, whose pace and bounce had impressed in Australia, was expected to shine more in English conditions. While he contributed with the bat, his inability to break partnerships cost him.
Thakur’s Performance:
•Runs: 80 in three innings
•Wickets: 2 (all in the first match)
Thakur needed to reassert his all-rounder credentials but disappointed with both bat and ball. His lack of penetration with the ball and inability to provide lower-order stability likely pushes him down the pecking order.
6. Dhruv Jurel Yet to be Fully Tested
The young wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, who impressed in the home Test series against England earlier this year, had limited opportunities in these unofficial games. His performance wasn’t the center of attention, but his presence in the senior squad suggests he remains the second-choice keeper behind KL Rahul.
With Rishabh Pant still recovering full match fitness, Jurel might get a nod in at least one of the Tests as part of a rotation policy.
⸻
7. The Final Dress Rehearsal: Beckenham Intra-Squad Match
The last chance for fringe players to make their case will be the intra-squad match in Beckenham, starting June 16. With Shubman Gill leading one side, this match will offer a match-simulation opportunity before the big series.
This game will likely determine:
•Who opens with Rohit Sharma
•The pecking order for the No. 4 slot
•Whether Rahul will keep wickets or play as a specialist batter
•Who earns the fourth seamer/all-rounder spot
⸻
Conclusion: Mixed Bag but Promising Signs for India
The India A tour has delivered a blend of encouraging signs and unanswered questions. Karun Nair and KL Rahul emerged as the standout performers. Easwaran and Reddy showed glimpses of their capability but need more consistency. Jaiswal’s early struggles against swing and Thakur’s underwhelming display remain areas of concern.
As India prepare to take on England in a long, grueling series, these performances will weigh heavily on the final XI selections. With swing-friendly conditions expected early in the summer, adaptability and patience will be as crucial as raw talent.
⸻
