Team India have entered the final stretch of their preparation for the much-anticipated five-match Test series against England, beginning June 20. In a bid to fine-tune their skills, assess bench strength, and simulate match conditions, the Indian senior team—led by Shubman Gill—will lock horns with India A in a four-day intra-squad warm-up match. Notably, the clash will be played from June 13 to June 16.
This internal fixture will not only help the coaching staff evaluate player form but also allow Gill, in his first major assignment as Test captain, to gel with his core group and test tactical strategies. With both red-ball specialists and some all-format stars involved, the warm-up match is being treated as a crucial rehearsal before the English challenge begins.
Reason why there will be no live coverage of India vs India-A fixture
While such high-profile warm-up games usually attract plenty of fan interest, this particular match will not be available for live streaming on any digital or broadcast platform. As per a PTI report, India head coach Gautam Gambhir has deliberately decided to keep the session behind closed doors.
The move stems from a desire to keep team strategies and player combinations under wraps. Gambhir, known for his tactical nous, does not want to provide England with any insights into India’s potential game plans or player roles ahead of the Tests. This secretive approach aligns with India’s preparation methods ahead of their earlier Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour in Australia, where a similar match simulation was kept private.
By limiting outside visibility, the Indian think-tank hopes to create an intense and distraction-free environment for players, enabling them to focus on fine-tuning their approach for what promises to be a fiercely contested Test series.
Also READ: Fans brutally troll Shubman Gill after he poses in Team India’s blazer ahead of Test series against England
Spotlight on young brigade in post-Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma era
The match will also mark the beginning of a new chapter in Indian cricket, with Gill taking over the Test captaincy following the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from the longest format. Their absence will undoubtedly be felt by fans, but there’s also immense excitement about the next generation stepping up.
All eyes will be on how Gill handles leadership responsibilities while also anchoring the batting order. The presence of seasoned campaigners like KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and the dynamic Yashasvi Jaiswal adds balance and depth to the squad. Each of these players will be closely observed during the warm-up match, even if the action isn’t publicly available.
With the England series being seen as a major challenge for this young Indian unit, expectations are sky-high. Fans might not be able to watch the intra-squad battle unfold live, but the buzz around the team and its fresh leadership ensures plenty of excitement in the build-up to June 20.
Also WATCH: Gautam Gambhir names Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin in fierce team address ahead of England Tests
Source link
