India vs India A Practice Match 2025 | Intra-Squad Clash in Beckenham

INDIA VS INDIA A: SQUADS, LIVE INFO & KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH IN INTRA-SQUAD PRACTICE MATCH

BECKENHAM, 13 June 2025 — In what promises to be a crucial final tune-up ahead of the high-profile five-match Test series against England, the Indian senior men’s team will square off against India A in a four-day intra-squad match at the Kent County Cricket Ground in Beckenham. Starting Friday, June 13, and running until June 16, the India vs India A practice match will provide players from both squads a valuable opportunity to get acclimatized to English conditions and test their red-ball readiness before the main event kicks off on June 20.

Though the match won’t carry official first-class status and will be played behind closed doors, the intensity and competitiveness are expected to mirror an international fixture. The India vs India A clash will serve as the only warm-up fixture for the senior side on this tour, making it a significant preparatory encounter.

India vs India A: A Test of Depth and Balance

The most interesting aspect of this practice game lies in the fact that several players, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, and Abhimanyu Easwaran, are part of both squads and could feature for either side depending on team management’s match-up strategy. The selectors and coaches will closely monitor performances in this intra-squad setup, particularly given the recent form of players during the unofficial Test series against the England Lions.

Dhruv Jurel, for instance, has been in sublime form with the bat, smashing three consecutive half-centuries (94, 53, and 52) in the two-match unofficial Test series. His dual role as a keeper and a reliable middle-order batter makes him a key asset for the senior squad. Similarly, Yashasvi Jaiswal hammered a quick-fire 64 off 60 balls in the first Test’s second innings, and his aggressive style suits English pitches where intent often pays dividends.

While the India A vs India match will not be broadcast or live-streamed on any platform, updates will be expected via social media channels and media sources. The match will begin at 11:00 AM local time (3:30 PM IST), and the setting in Beckenham provides a relatively neutral yet challenging pitch — helpful for bowlers and batters alike to test skills in real match situations.

Full Squads: Mix of Experience and Youth

The India Test squad, led by Shubman Gill, includes a solid blend of youth and experience. Gill’s leadership in this match could set the tone for India’s campaign in England. His deputy, Rishabh Pant, is also returning to full-time red-ball action and will be watched closely, both for his glovework and explosive batting.

The likes of KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah will provide balance and firepower, ensuring the senior team maintains high match intensity. The bowling unit, in particular, will benefit from game time, especially as conditions in Beckenham are expected to favor seam early on and spin as the game progresses.

The India A squad, captained by Abhimanyu Easwaran, is also stacked with in-form players. Easwaran, known for his classical technique, is a consistent performer at the A-level and may be considered a backup opener for the senior team. Karun Nair, Sarfaraz Khan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Tushar Deshpande all bring first-class pedigree into the match. Deshpande, fresh off completing 100 first-class wickets in the unofficial Tests against the England Lions, is a bowler to keep an eye on.

With multiple all-rounders such as Nitish Reddy, Shardul Thakur, and Washington Sundar present across both squads, expect dynamic contests between bat and ball, especially as these players aim to solidify their Test credentials.

Strategic Importance of the Practice Match

This India vs India A fixture is not just a practice game — it is a proving ground for selection and readiness. India’s five-Test series against England is known for its demanding length and intensity. With limited preparation time, this intra-squad match is a rare and crucial chance for players to fine-tune their skills under match pressure, albeit in a friendly setting.

The biggest positive of such a format is that it simulates an international standard of competition while allowing the coaching staff to experiment with combinations without external consequences. It also provides injured or returning players, like Pant and Rahul, a secure environment to test their fitness and form.

India’s management has made it clear that every player in the extended squad needs to be ready at a moment’s notice, and performances here could directly influence the playing XI in the first Test.

A Look Ahead: Building Towards the England Series

With the first Test against England scheduled for June 20, this match is essentially the last dress rehearsal. A few tough selection calls are looming — especially in the top order and fast-bowling rotation. The India vs India A match is expected to provide clarity on issues like who opens with Gill, whether Pant is ready to keep for five days, and which pacers best complement Bumrah.

Moreover, in English conditions where swing and seam are paramount, bowlers like Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh could be breakout options if they perform impressively during this warm-up.

While the contest won’t be available for viewing, the cricketing fraternity will watch the progress with keen interest, tracking scorecards and press notes to spot rising stars and comeback stories.