KKN Gurugram Desk | As Team India gears up for their high-stakes five-match Test series against England, a crucial preparatory phase kicks off with a four-day intra-squad match between Team India and India A, beginning June 13 at the Kent County Cricket Ground, Beckenham. Led by new Test captain Shubman Gill, this simulation match offers valuable insight into India’s game strategy ahead of the opening Test at Headingley, Leeds, starting June 20.

Though excitement is high among cricket fans, this India vs India A practice match will not be live-streamed or broadcast on television, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has opted for a closed-door session under the guidance of head coach Gautam Gambhir.

 Why This Match Matters

This intra-squad match serves as India’s only full-scale red-ball practice game before the much-anticipated Test series against England. Shubman Gill’s Team India will face off against Abhimanyu Easwaran’s India A, providing selectors and the team management an opportunity to fine-tune combinations, test batting depth, and assess bowling workloads.

Importantly, the match is structured to simulate a real Test scenario without the external pressure of spectators or live cameras. It follows a similar format to what India used during their Australia tour earlier this year — although results from that simulation were mixed.

 Match Schedule and Venue

• Match: India vs India A (Intra-Squad Simulation)

• Dates: June 13 to June 16, 2025

• Time (IST): 3:30 PM onwards

• Venue: Kent County Cricket Ground, Beckenham (UK)

• Broadcast: No TV telecast or live streaming available

• Match Type: Non-first-class; Practice simulation only

 Why No Live Streaming or Telecast?

The BCCI and Team India’s coaching staff have deliberately kept this match behind closed doors, prioritizing tactical secrecy ahead of the England series. According to insiders, this strategy is aimed at preventing opposing analysts from gaining insights into India’s combinations, bowling plans, or team dynamics.

Bowling coach Morne Morkel said:
“You can’t replicate a full day of bowling and fielding effort in the nets. These simulations are about testing mental and physical stamina.”

While fans are disappointed by the lack of access, team management believes that secrecy outweighs spectacle in this high-stakes phase.

Format: Test Simulation with Flexibility

The match between India and India A is designed as a four-day, 360-over simulation. While not granted official first-class status, it allows for several experimental and strategic advantages:

• Batters dismissed early may bat again

• Bowlers can bowl extended or reduced spells based on match fitness

• The format is adjusted to meet team management’s workload targets

This structure is expected to help Gautam Gambhir and support staff finalize critical decisions — especially for bowling combinations.

 Strategic Questions Ahead of the England Test Series

1. Spin vs Pace – What’s the Balance?

The Headingley pitch traditionally offers bounce and seam movement, but India may consider a spin wildcard like Kuldeep Yadav given England’s aggressive batting style. Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja’s batting form in SENA countries remains a major asset.

2. Jasprit Bumrah’s Role

With Jasprit Bumrah leading the pace attack, workload management and synergy with Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, or Arshdeep Singh (if selected) is under evaluation.

3. Wicketkeeper Dilemma

Rishabh Pant, returning from injury, reportedly suffered a minor scare during a net session. The team is keeping a close watch on his fitness. KS Bharat and Dhruv Jurel remain backup options.

 Leadership Under Shubman Gill

This will be Shubman Gill’s first major assignment as India’s full-time Test captain. With a younger core and a shift in team dynamics post-Rohit Sharma’s era, the pressure is high on Gill to deliver both with the bat and as a tactical leader.

“This simulation match is a leadership test for Gill. How he adapts and responds will influence the tone of the entire tour,” said a senior BCCI official.

 Players to Watch

🔹 Shubman Gill – Captain, Top Order Batter

Has to anchor the innings and lead by example in English conditions.

🔹 Abhimanyu Easwaran – India A Captain

Likely reserve opener for the England series. This match is his chance to press his case.

🔹 Ravindra Jadeja – All-Rounder

Key in spin-friendly or slow pitches; likely to bat at No. 6 or 7.

🔹 Kuldeep Yadav – Spinner

Might be India’s X-factor against England’s Bazballers.

🔹 Mukesh Kumar / Arshdeep Singh – Pace Bowlers

Contenders for third seamer slot alongside Bumrah and Siraj.

 Fan Reactions: Disappointment Over No Telecast

Cricket fans expressed frustration online due to the lack of live coverage. On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #INDvsIndiaA and #GillCaptaincyDebut trended, with thousands calling for BCCI to at least share match highlights.

“At least give us a scorecard update or session summaries,” one user tweeted.

BCCI has not commented on whether post-match footage will be released.

While fans remain sidelined for the warm-up match, the India vs India A fixture could prove pivotal in deciding the XI for the Leeds Test. With just a week remaining before the series kicks off, every over bowled and run scored behind closed doors will influence India’s tactical approach.

From Shubman Gill’s leadership style to bowlers’ fitness levels, this intra-squad game might be invisible to the public — but its impact could echo through the entire India vs England 2025 Test series.