India A Squad for Shadow Tour Against England Lions Underway
As the anticipation for the upcoming resumption of the IPL 2025 builds up, the buzz around international cricket is also gaining momentum behind the scenes. Recent reports suggest that the squad for the India A-England Lions series, set to serve as a shadow tour for the senior team, has been preliminarily selected with final touches in the pipeline.
A recent meeting of the selectors at the Cricket Centre in Mumbai on May 6, just a day before Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket, is believed to have sealed the selection of the India A squad. The official announcement is expected to be made on May 13, with Abhimanyu Easwaran emerging as the frontrunner for the role of captain.
The India A team is slated to play three matches, with two fixtures against England Lions scheduled for May 30-June 2 and June 6-9, followed by a clash against the senior India squad from June 13-16. The senior India team, led by a new captain, is anticipated to be revealed on May 23.
Selecting the India A squad has presented its own challenges to the selectors, particularly with the complications arising from the IPL postponement. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly advised the selectors to assemble a squad comprising players not involved in the IPL and those from teams unlikely to feature in the IPL playoffs initially, with the potential for further additions during the later games in England.
Among the contenders for the India A squad are notable names such as Tanush Kotian, Baba Indrajith, Akash Deep, Karun Nair, Dhruv Jurel, and Nitish Reddy. While Shardul Thakur is set to join the senior team, the inclusion of Ishan Kishan remains uncertain, given the presence of Jurel and Rishabh Pant in the senior squad. However, top scorer of the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy season, Ricky Bhui from Andhra, may not make the cut.
The selection dilemma also extends to players like Shreyas Iyer, who is currently not in consideration for either the India A or senior squads. However, the scenario could change if Virat Kohli decides to join the squad. Mukesh Kumar, known for his swinging abilities, and Yash Dayal are also being evaluated for potential inclusion based on their IPL performances.
The status of Sarfaraz Khan, returning from a long injury layoff, remains uncertain. The selectors may choose to have him play domestic games before considering him for selection, following previous protocols. The final squad compositions for both the India A and senior teams are eagerly awaited, promising an action-packed cricketing season ahead.
India A Squad Preparation for the Shadow Tour
As cricket enthusiasts gear up for the anticipated IPL 2025, the excitement surrounding international cricket is also on the rise. Reports indicate that the squad for the India A-England Lions series, designed to act as a shadow tour for the senior team, is in the final stages of selection.
Selection Process and Expectations
The selectors convened at the Cricket Centre in Mumbai on May 6 to deliberate on the India A squad composition. The official announcement is scheduled for May 13, with Abhimanyu Easwaran emerging as a potential candidate for the captaincy role.
The India A team is set to engage in three matches, including clashes against England Lions on May 30-June 2 and June 6-9, followed by a faceoff against the senior India squad from June 13-16. The appointment of a new captain for the senior squad is anticipated to be unveiled on May 23.
Challenges Faced by Selectors
The IPL postponement has posed challenges for the selectors in assembling the India A squad. The BCCI has advised selecting players not participating in the IPL or those from teams unlikely to progress to the playoffs initially, with provisions for additions during the later stages in England.
Contenders for the India A squad include promising players such as Tanush Kotian, Baba Indrajith, Akash Deep, Karun Nair, Dhruv Jurel, and Nitish Reddy. While Shardul Thakur is set to join the senior team, uncertainties loom over the inclusion of Ishan Kishan, with Jurel and Rishabh Pant in the senior squad. Notably, top Ranji Trophy scorer Ricky Bhui may miss out on selection.
Selection Dilemmas and Potential Inclusions
The selectors face dilemmas with players like Shreyas Iyer, who are currently not in contention for either squad. However, a potential inclusion could materialize if Virat Kohli opts to join the team. Mukesh Kumar, renowned for his swing bowling, and Yash Dayal are under evaluation for their IPL performances.
Sarfaraz Khan’s status remains uncertain following a lengthy injury hiatus. The selectors may opt for his participation in domestic matches before considering him for selection, adhering to established protocols. The final squad announcements for both the India A and senior teams are highly anticipated, setting the stage for an enthralling cricket season ahead.
Cricket enthusiasts can look forward to a riveting series between India A and England Lions, providing a platform for emerging talent to showcase their skills and potentially stake a claim for future senior team selections. The shadow tour serves as a crucial stepping stone for players to gain exposure, experience, and hone their abilities against quality opposition, setting the stage for a promising future in Indian cricket.
