Prior to the 5-match Test series, which is now labelled as the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Team India is currently engaged in an intra-squad match. The intrasquad match has been played behind closed doors to keep all data related to the squad private. As the match is not broadcasting on television or any other platforms, the analysts of the team have to work hard. They have to use their own equipment and setups to collect data on every individual player playing in the multi-day game.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), in a video shared on social media, has shown some behind-the-scenes scenes related to the match. Through this video, viewers can see how India and India ‘A’ performance analysts Hari Prasad Mohan and Pushkar Sawant have been monitoring the players. As there is no camera on the ground in Beckenham, Mohan and Sawant installed their special camera to capture moments during the match. 

"This is not a television game, so we have to set up the cameras for the data collection side of things on our own... Basically it’s a four-day game where we would try to simulate a few things in terms of, you know, the batters and the bowlers, if they have to achieve something. And also the sports science team would like to know their bowlers’ workload… You can replicate the vision, the frame that you see during live games," Mohan said in the video. 

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A small white tent turns into a war room

To keep their electronic devices in a suitable place, they have built a white tent near the side screen. From there, Mohan and Sawant conduct their duties. 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Team India (@indiancricketteam)

"I found this house, which was right of the sight screen. With regard to that, there will be a lot of conversations that happen in the safe house over there. Yes, this will be a cute little office for the next 4 days. We have checked their feed, and everything looks perfect. The camera is set, the feed is perfect," Mohan said further. 

Beckenham, June 14 – India's highly anticipated intrasquad fixture between India and India A kicked off on a steady note, offering crucial match practice ahead of the five-Test series against England. The game, being the team's sole warm-up for the headline series, also heralded a new leadership era as Shubman Gill led the red-ball team for the first time after Rohit Sharma's Test retirement.

Batting first in favorable English conditions, the top order made maximum use. Skipper Shubman Gill appeared poised and classy, scoring a confident half-century characterized by classy shots and aggressive foot movement. KL Rahul, the other experienced player on the team, equaled Gill's contribution with a fluent fifty of his own, giving an indication of his role in India's changing middle-order strategy.

Shardul Thakur was the pick of the bowlers on Day 1. While individual figures weren't made public, the BCCI confirmed that Thakur accounted for a couple of important wickets, taking maximum advantage of the conditions available. Jasprit Bumrah, who is likely to play a pivotal role in the series ahead, bowled an ultra-short but high-intensity spell, getting into the rhythm early.

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Teenagers Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal also had some time in the middle, although they were probably dismissed after making promising beginnings. In the absence of official scores being released, attention was on individual application and preparation for the England series. 

New Era Begins Amid Emotional Backdrop

This intrasquad match also signifies the opening of a new chapter in Indian cricket, with the retirements of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin redefining the identity of the team. The game is a make-or-break test for the next generation, especially considering India's traditional failure in English conditions.

📍 Beckenham

A solid Opening Day in the Intra-Squad game!

Half-centuries for KL Rahul & Captain Shubman Gill 👌 👌

Shardul Thakur amongst the wickets 👍 👍 pic.twitter.com/7lfEFoL4KE

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 13, 2025

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The players sported black armbands on Day 1 as a gesture of respect for victims of a recent calamity, with BCCI posting pictures in solidarity with mourning families. Head coach Gautam Gambhir was not present in the camp, having flown back to India because of a family crisis.

Despite the emotional undertone, the Indian team remained focused as the match continued until June 16 — a crucial opportunity for players to fine-tune their skills before the opening Test at Leeds.