The Indian cricket team will conduct their final preparations for the upcoming five-match Test series against England through an intra-squad warm-up game against India A, starting June 13, 2025. The four-day practice match, which will be played behind closed doors at the request of head coach Gautam Gambhir, will not be available for live streaming as the team aims to keep their tactical plans private from the opposition. The warm-up fixture will feature 360 overs of match simulation, providing crucial preparation time for both bowlers and batsmen. This approach mirrors the team’s preparation strategy implemented before the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia. The practice match holds particular significance as it offers Indian players an opportunity to transition from T20 cricket in the Indian Premier League (IPL) to the longer format. The extended session will help players adapt to English conditions before the series opener at Headingley. Jasprit Bumrah’s return to Test cricket after a six-month hiatus will be closely monitored during the warm-up game. The pace spearhead, who had to leave the fifth Test in Australia due to injury, has only participated in IPL matches since recovering from a back stress fracture.
The team management plans to assess Bumrah’s fitness and form by having him bowl multiple spells during the practice match. This evaluation will be crucial in determining his readiness for the demanding Test series. The warm-up game will also help resolve selection dilemmas facing the team. A key decision revolves around choosing a seam bowling partner for Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, with Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna being the contenders. Quiz: Who’s that IPL player? Another strategic choice awaits the team management regarding the spin department. The selection between Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav as the primary spinner presents different tactical advantages. Jadeja offers additional batting depth along with his spinning abilities, while Kuldeep could serve as an attacking option against England’s aggressive batting approach. The practice match marks a significant milestone as it represents Shubman Gill’s first assignment as the official captain of the Indian Test team. The closed-door session will allow the new captain to work with his team without external pressure.
The decision to conduct the warm-up match away from public view reflects the team’s focus on preparation rather than publicity. This approach allows players to concentrate on acclimatization and strategy development without revealing their tactical plans to their upcoming opponents. The Test series against England, scheduled to begin on June 20, will be the first major challenge for the Indian team under Gill’s leadership. The warm-up match serves as the final opportunity for the team to address various tactical and selection questions before the series commences. The comprehensive nature of the practice match, with its extensive over allocation, demonstrates the team’s commitment to thorough preparation. This format ensures that all squad members get adequate time to adjust to the demands of Test cricket and English conditions. The practice match represents a crucial phase in India’s preparation strategy, combining the need for match practice with tactical discretion. The outcome of these four days could significantly influence the team’s approach and composition for the upcoming Test series against England.
