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Hrishikesh Kanitkar Named India A Head Coach for England Tour; Senior Team Announcement Delayed
India A Set for Crucial Shadow Tour of England Under Kanitkar’s Guidance
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed former Indian cricketer Hrishikesh Kanitkar as the head coach of the India A team for their upcoming shadow tour of England. The announcement came on May 16 and marks a significant step in preparing India’s bench strength for red-ball challenges abroad.
Kanitkar, who has previously worked with the Indian women’s team and in domestic circuits, will take charge of a strong 18-member squad captained by Abhimanyu Easwaran. The team is scheduled to play three red-ball matches in England, including one against the senior Indian team in a closed-door fixture.
Coaching Staff Finalized for Developmental Tour
Joining Kanitkar on the coaching staff are Subhodeep Ghosh, fielding coach from Assam, and Troy Cooley, renowned Australian bowling coach. The trio brings a wealth of experience and is expected to work closely with the upcoming generation of Indian talent.
The India A contingent will begin their journey to England in batches on May 25 and 26, ahead of their first assignment—a four-day first-class game against England Lions at Canterbury, starting May 30.
Tour Schedule: High-Intensity Matches Lined Up
Red-Ball Fixtures to Test India A’s Mettle
The India A side will follow the Canterbury clash with a second four-day match at Northampton from June 6. Following these games, an important intra-squad match has been planned against the India Senior team from June 13 to 16 at Beckenham. This match, closed to public viewing, is expected to be a key preparatory fixture for both sides ahead of the full Test series.
Notably, Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan—both in the reckoning for senior spots—will join the India A squad before the second match versus England Lions, highlighting the flexible nature of squad development.
📌 Related Read: Check out India’s future tour programs and fixtures to stay updated on upcoming series and team movements.
Senior India Squad Selection Postponed Amid IPL Rescheduling
Initially slated for announcement on May 23, the India Senior team selection has been postponed due to disruptions caused by the temporary suspension and resumption of the IPL. The selectors will now meet in the last week of May to finalize the squad for the five-match Test series in England.
The senior team will depart on June 6, giving them a two-week window to acclimatize before the first Test at Headingley, scheduled for June 20. The remaining Tests will be held at Edgbaston (July 2), Lord’s (July 10), Old Trafford (July 23), and The Oval (July 31).
Interestingly, Gautam Gambhir, who was earlier speculated to travel in advance for strategy sessions, is now expected to fly with the squad as per the adjusted plan.
🔗 Learn more about the official Test schedule on the England Cricket Board website.
Full India A Squad for England Tour 2025
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Captain: Abhimanyu Easwaran
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Vice-Captain & Wicketkeeper: Dhruv Jurel
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Batsmen: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karun Nair, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sarfaraz Khan
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Wicketkeepers: Ishan Kishan
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All-rounders: Shardul Thakur, Tanush Kotian, Harsh Dubey
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Bowlers: Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, Harshit Rana, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed, Tushar Deshpande, Manav Suthar
This balanced squad offers a good mix of youth and experience, making it a crucial testing ground for future India stars in challenging English conditions.
Why This Tour Matters
The India A tour not only prepares fringe players for potential national call-ups but also serves as a strategic backup plan in the case of injuries or form-related exclusions during the Test series. With the inclusion of key names like Gill and Sudharsan, the lines between India A and the senior team continue to blur—underscoring the importance of such developmental tours.
