New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly set to devise a plan to keep the Indian players in red-ball touch during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season to ensure they are ready for the England Test series. India will travel to England for a five-match Test series in June this year after the conclusion of the upcoming IPL 2025.
BCCI’s concerns stem from India’s poor results in Tests in recent months. India suffered a humiliating 3-0 whitewash in the three-match Test series against New Zealand at home before losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 3-1 against Australia. The England tour will mark the beginning of the new World Test Championship (WTC) for India.
As per a report in Cricbuzz, the Indian players might have to engage in red-ball activities during the IPL season to prepare for the England Test series. The BCCI is working on a strategy to ensure that Indian players remain in touch with red-ball cricket and those likely to be part of the Test squad, might be asked to engage in red-ball activities during the season.
However, the exact details of how BCCI wants to implement the plan remain unknown. The strategy was discussed between the Indian team management and the BCCI top brass during a recent meeting in Dubai where the Indian team is taking part in the Champions Trophy 2025. India have qualified for the semi-finals of the multi-nation tournament after beating Bangladesh and Pakistan in their first two matches.
England Test series to get underway 25 days after IPL 2025 final
The IPL 2025 final is set to be played on May 25 and India’s Test series against England will get underway on June 20. There is a 25-day gap between the IPL final and the England tour and some of the players of the Indian Test squad are expected to leave for England in the first week of June to prepare for the Test series.
The players who will not be part of the IPL teams who reach the playoffs are expected to leave for England a little early. All eyes will also be on the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel as some significant changes are expected in India’s Test squad with skipper Rohit Sharma’s future in the longest format under focus.
India drew 2-2 in their last Test series in England in 2021. India were leading the series 2-1 in England before COVID led to the postponement of the final 5th Test which was played a year later 2022. India lost the final fifth Test to settle for a draw. India will be hoping to bag their first Test series victory in England since 2007.
The BCCI is set to devise a plan to keep the Indian player engaged in red-ball activities during the upcoming IPL 2025 to ensure the are ready for the England Test series. India will travel to England for their next Test assignment after the IPL. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
