India’s newly appointed head coach, Gautam Gambhir, is eager to travel with the India A squad to England as part of his long-term vision for Indian Test cricket. With India set to play a five-match Test series against England starting June 20, 2025, Gambhir sees this as a crucial opportunity to scout potential Test players and shape the team’s future in the longest format.
According to Times of India journalist Arani Basu, Gambhir is focused on strengthening India’s red-ball depth and ensuring a smooth transition for emerging cricketers into the senior team. This initiative aligns with India’s preparations for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle from 2025 to 2027.
Identifying future Test stars
Gambhir reportedly wants to take a close look at several domestic performers who have impressed in first-class cricket. Among the names on his radar are:
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi – A technically solid top-order 13-year old batter is known for his patience and ability to grind out long innings.
- Karun Nair – Nair is an experienced batter with a proven track record, including a historic Test triple century, capable of handling pressure in the middle order.
- Ruturaj Gaikwad – A stylish right-hander who has showcased immense consistency and adaptability, making him a strong candidate for a Test opener’s role.
- Sarfaraz Khan – A prolific run-scorer in domestic cricket with a fearless batting approach, known for his ability to dominate spin and pace alike.
- Musheer Khan – A young and promising all-rounder who offers both solid batting depth and effective left-arm spin, making him a valuable asset in longer formats.
- Vaibhav Arora – A skillful swing bowler who has excelled in seaming conditions, capable of extracting movement with the new ball.
Gambhir will look to properly assess the performance of players in the domestic circuit before finalising the team that he will take as India A squad to England. Especially with uncertainity regarding Jasprit Bumrah’s reutrn to international cricket, he will test fast bowlers who can get accustomed to the English conditions and perform well there.
Strategic planning for the England tour
Series defeat at home against New Zealand by 0-3 and defeat in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 has also prompted coach Gambhir to take this decision to strengthen the core of Team India in the longest format of the game. By traveling with the India A team, Gambhir will gain firsthand insights into England’s playing conditions ahead of the Test series. He will also be able to assess young talents against quality opposition, helping selectors make informed decisions when picking the squad for the senior team.
