Shubman Gill has commenced his journey as India's Test captain with a promising innings in the India vs. India A practice match held at Beckenham, Kent. This four-day intra-squad match serves as crucial preparation for the upcoming five-match Test series against England, scheduled to begin on June 20, 2025. The match is being held behind closed doors, with no media or public access allowed.
Gill, recently appointed as the Test captain following Rohit Sharma's retirement from the format, is leading a relatively inexperienced side in the absence of veteran players like Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin, who have also retired. This series presents a significant challenge for the new captain and the team, especially given the traditionally challenging English conditions.
In addition to Shubman Gill, KL Rahul also made a significant contribution with a half-century. Rahul, who has been in good form, having scored a century and a half-century in the second unofficial Test against England Lions, is expected to play a crucial role as an opener in the Test series.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) provided updates on social media, revealing that Shardul Thakur also had a successful day, taking wickets. While the exact number of runs scored and wickets taken were not disclosed, the BCCI's post highlighted the solid performances of Gill, Rahul, and Thakur. Other players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal also participated, although details of their innings were not specified.
Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna commented on the importance of the match, emphasizing the value of game time for the players, especially those coming from the A game against England Lions. He noted that the pitch appeared to be good and hard, offering something for both bowlers and batsmen. Krishna also highlighted the competitive spirit within the team and the excitement surrounding the series.
Gautam Gambhir, the head coach, had to return to India due to a family emergency, with assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate taking charge in his absence. The team observed a minute's silence before the start of the match to pay homage to the victims of the recent Ahmedabad plane crash.
Shubman Gill's performance in this practice match is particularly significant, considering his past struggles in England. He has a current average of 14.66 in England, with only 88 runs scored in six innings across three matches. This half-century will undoubtedly boost his confidence as he prepares to lead the team in the Test series.
The intra-squad match, scheduled to continue until June 16, serves as a vital opportunity for the Indian batters to acclimatize to the English conditions. With no further practice matches planned, this game is crucial for Gill to settle into his new role as captain and for the team to fine-tune their strategies before the start of the Test series. The performance of senior players like Rishabh Pant, who is the vice-captain, will also be closely monitored as India prepares for a challenging series against England.
