The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced the squads for the three-match List-A home series against Australia ‘A’. The matches will be played in Kanpur from September 30. This series will serve as a good preparation for Team India ahead of the white-ball tour of Australia.

There was much speculation about the inclusion of the veteran duo – Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli – in the squad. However, their names were not in the squads chosen by the selection committee. Both players have started preparing for the tour on their own after a long break, but they will not take part in the three-match series.

Here are three reasons why Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s absence from the India A squad to face Australia A is a wrong decision.

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1. They Could Have Used Game Time Before a Tough Tour

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli last played competitively during the 2025 IPL. They retired from Test cricket during the tournament and did not play in the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England.

Their last international appearance was in the 2025 Champions Trophy, which India won in February-March 2025. ODIs are rare in the international calendar outside of World Cup years. Since both Rohit and Virat have retired from other formats, any available match, even List-A games, is valuable.

The pair might not play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy later this year due to international duties. The series against Australia ‘A’ could have been a good chance to play competitively, rather than just practicing in nets.

Since they have been away from the game for some time, there may be some rustiness. Even with their experience, starting them straight away against a quality Australia side could be risky.

2. Sends the Wrong Message About Their Long-Term Future

There is ongoing discussion about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s future in the ODI team. Team management wants to prepare the new-look squad for the 2027 World Cup.

Even though Rohit is the ODI captain and Virat is a top player, their spots in the squad are not guaranteed for the future.

Whether Rohit and Virat did not declare availability, or selectors ignored them, their absence at a time when their long-term roles are being considered does not send a positive message.

3. India ‘A’ Squad Could Have Used Top-Order Reinforcements

India’s ‘A’ team has strong depth, and recent squads have quality players in almost all areas. Still, including Rohit and Virat could have made the team even stronger.

For the first ODI, India ‘A’ has only one established opener, Prabhsimran Singh. The other opener is likely Priyansh Arya, who has limited List-A experience.

If skipper Rajat Patidar bats at No.3, there are not many options in the middle order. While these matches help emerging players gain experience, there was enough space to include Rohit and Virat for one or two games.

It comes down to prioritizing the veterans’ preparation versus giving experience to second-string players. The BCCI chose to focus on the future, rather than making a special case for Rohit and Virat.

India A Squad for 1st One-Day Match:

Rajat Patidar (Captain), Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Riyan Parag, Ayush Badoni, Suryansh Shedge, Vipraj Nigam, Nishant Sindhu, Gurjapneet Singh, Yudhvir Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Abhishek Porel (WK), Priyansh Arya, Simarjeet Singh.

India A Squad for 2nd and 3rd One-Day Matches:

Tilak Varma (Captain), Rajat Patidar (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Riyan Parag, Ayush Badoni, Suryansh Shedge, Vipraj Nigam, Nishant Sindhu, Gurjapneet Singh, Yudhvir Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Abhishek Porel (WK), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh.

Shreyas Iyer has been handed the captaincy of the India A squad for the upcoming two-match unofficial multi-day series against Australia A, beginning in mid-September. The Senior Men’s Selection Committee confirmed the squad on Saturday, September 6, with an aim to provide promising talents exposure ahead of the senior team’s busy international calendar.

Dhruv Jurel, the wicketkeeper-batter who has been in fine form recently, has been named vice-captain of the side. Alongside him, the selectors have opted for N Jagadeesan as a second wicket-keeping option for the batting order, thus providing more depth in both batting and keeping. Ayush Badoni's neatness in the middle order has added to India A's batting core.

The bowlers are selected with variety in mind. All the pace options will be Prasidh Krishna, Khaleel Ahmed, Gurnoor Brar, and Yash Thakur, as well as having a nice balance with all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy. In the spin department, Mumbai’s Tanush Kotian will be supported by left-arm spinners Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar. Importantly, KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj are scheduled to join the squad for the second game, replacing two players after the first match. Both were rested following India’s high-intensity series against England.

Fixtures and Series Details

The first multi-day match will be staged at the Ekana International Cricket Stadium in Lucknow from September 16 to 19, followed by the second game at the same venue from September 23 to 26. After the red-ball leg, the focus will shift to white-ball cricket, with three unofficial ODIs scheduled in Kanpur’s Green Park. Later, the senior India team will head to Australia for three ODIs and five T20Is in October-November.

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This series is seen as a crucial platform for fringe players to showcase their skills against a strong Australian second-string side. With senior stars Rahul and Siraj also featuring in the latter part, the contests promise to be competitive while providing selectors with valuable insights ahead of the international season.

India A Squad for Multi-Day Series vs Australia A
Shreyas Iyer (C), Abhimanyu Easwaran, N Jagadeesan (WK), Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel (VC & WK), Devdutt Padikkal, Harsh Dubey, Ayush Badoni, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Tanush Kotian, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Khaleel Ahmed, Manav Suthar, Yash Thakur

India The team experienced an overall decent run against England Lions in two unofficial Test matches. Both of the matches resulted in draws. With multiple centuries, half-centuries, and some good bowling spells, players in India A playing combination mostly dealt with a pragmatic approach. But, as we know, every coin has two different sides. India A team performance contains some drawbacks also. 

Three negatives for India from the 2nd unofficial Test match:

Yashasvi Jaiswal: Yashasvi Jaiswal, against England Lions, was unable to fulfill the expectations in both unofficial matches. After an impressive IPL campaign and the excellent numbers in the Whites the opener contains, naturally he has to carry high expectations. Jaiswal, 23, needs to perform as steadily as possible if he wants to be the next big thing in the cricket world in the next few years. 

• 2nd multi-day match: India A vs. Eng Lions: 17 and 5
• 1st multi-day match: India A vs. Eng Lions: 24 and 64

Read More: Three Positives India can take away from 2nd unofficial Test match

Shardul Thakur: While all-rounders like Anshul Kamboj and Tanush Kotian were making runs and contributing with the ball by taking wickets, Shardul Thakur continued his below-par performance for two unofficial tests against the England Lions. The 33-year-old cricketer, hailing from Palghar, showcased his all-around skills in domestic cricket and then got a chance to shine in IPL 2025. From there he caught a flight to the UK. But there, he produced barely any numbers justifying his talent. 

• 2nd multi-day match: India A vs. Eng Lions: 19 & 34, 0/40
• 1st multi-day match: India A vs. Eng Lions: 27, 2/105

Jasprit Bumrah's absence: An Indian bowling line-up with Jasprit Bumrah, as for now, is unthinkable and an eye-shooting sight for Indian cricket fans. The X-factor and spark he carries into the team are simply unmatchable. Khaleel Ahmed, Tanush Kotian, Anshul Kamboj, and Tushar Deshpande took wickets for India. A team against England Lions, but the surprising elements, the speed and the deadly yorkers, were missing from the arsenal. 

On one side, the main squad is currently going through under preparations, and on the other side, another set of Indian talents, known as the India A team, played two multi-day practice matches against the England Lions. On the first unofficial test, it was raining runs under heavy weather, and in the next match, along with some batting brilliancies, the India A team showed some promising spells as well. The second unofficial Test ended in a draw. From this match, Indian team management can accumulate at least 3 positives ahead of the five-match Test series against England, starting on June 20. 

Three positives Team India can take away from the 2nd unofficial Test:

1. Opening slot:

Over the past few years, Rohit Sharma established himself in the opening position. As he retired from the format, the management had to select someone who could play a significant role at the top of the batting order. BCCI has multiple options to form an opening pair, but finding the right combination is the main challenge, especially when the assignment is under overseas conditions. KL Rahul, after the retirement of Sharma and Virat Kohli, is now the most experienced batter in the Indian group there in the UK. Rahul's hundred and half-century in the first and second innings, respectively, during the 2nd unofficial Test can prove enough to convince the board officials to send him out on the ground as an opener. 

Read More: ENG Lions vs IND A, 2nd Unofficial Full Recap – Key performances and major Highlights from unofficial Test

2. Middle Order

The void created because of Virat Kohli's retirement is massive. He made his name with the Whites batting in the middle order, especially at number 4. India needs someone who is immensely talented and has the ability to perform best with pressure lying on their shoulders. Is there anyone in the current mix who can provide stability batting in the middle order? With tons of stats, Karun Nair is undoubtedly a good shout. Sai Sudharsan can be a good contender to hold a spot in the middle order after his dream run in IPL 2025. 

3. Bowling

India may have to play some multiple matches without Jasprit Bumrah, the formidable weapon in India's bowling line-up, due to balance workload management. But the bowlers in the India A team proved that they can pick up wickets without the service from the apex bowler as well. Khaleel Ahmed impressed by claiming 4 wickets, and Anshul Kamboj, Tanush Kotian, and Tushar Deshpande also displayed some eye-catching spells against the England Lions. 

After a hard-fought match against England Lions, the India A team ended the match as a draw with multiple good notes. Unlike the first unofficial Test match, where both teams showed their batting skills, in the second unofficial Test, cricket fans thoroughly enjoyed the days with all-round cricket from both ends. 

The first innings: 

The first innings of the match was mainly highlighted by KL Rahul's 168-ball, 116-run innings with fifteen 4s and one massive over-boundary. Karun Nair (40), Dhruv Jurel (52), and Nitish Kumar Reddy (34) also played their hands well behind the team's 348-10. India A team was able to maintain their lead as England Lions bundled for 327. With Jasprit Bumrah, India A's bowlers impressed by taking all ten wickets. While Khaleel Ahmed claimed 4 wickets, Anshul Kamboj and Tushar Deshpande took 2 scalps each. Reddy and Tanush Kotian bagged 1 wicket each. 

The second innings:

When the wicket got more rough, the Indian batting line-up bloomed more, with 50s from 4 batters; the team took the total to 417 for 7. Skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran, at number three, scored 80, and KL Rahul, as an opener, got 51. The right-handed batter in both innings, as the opener, looked solid enough to take Rohit Sharma's place in the main team. 

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Brilliant performances from the all-rounders 

More than the batters at the top or in the middle, in the second innings, Indian bowling and all-rounders manifested their abilities in the English conditions. Tanush Kotian's unbeaten 90 in the lower middle order was something that came from nowhere. Anshul Kamboj's 51 not out also carried some positive intentions ahead of the five-match Test series. 

Kamboj with the ball claimed a brace in the second innings, and Deshpande clinched one English batsman. Thus the home side was restricted to 32 for 3 at the end of the 2nd unofficial match, and it ended in a draw. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the updated schedule for the 2025 international home season, as well as the new South Africa A's tour of India schedule.

India's senior men's team will host West Indies and South Africa in all three formats—Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. The IDFC First Bank Test series against West Indies will commence on October 2, 2025, in Ahmedabad. The second Test, previously slated to take place at Kolkata, has now been shifted to the Arun Jaitley Stadium at New Delhi. Conversely, the opening Test against South Africa, previously listed to be played on November 14 in New Delhi, will now be played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

At the same time, with continuous outfield and pitch refurbishment at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, the IDFC First Bank ODI series between Australia Women and India Women has also witnessed venue shifts. The first two ODIs will be played at the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh and the last ODI at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.

South Africa A's tour of India will include two multi-day and three one-day matches from October 30. The multi-day games will continue to be played at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru, but the one-day games have been relocated from the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot.

AUSTRALIA WOMEN’S TOUR OF INDIA

AUSTRALIA MEN'S A TEAM TOUR OF INDIA

WEST INDIES TOUR OF INDIA

SOUTH AFRICA MEN'S A TEAM TOUR OF INDIA

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SOUTH AFRICA TOUR OF INDIA

On Saturday, June 7, India's men's cricket team arrived in the UK for the five-match Test series against England that they anticipate. This series marks the start of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle for both teams. With seniors Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin retiring from Test cricket, it marks the beginning of a new era under Shubman Gill's captaincy. The team includes a lot of new faces, lending a sense of change and excitement as the team prepares to face England in difficult home conditions.

Departing from Mumbai on Friday, the Indian contingent reached London over the weekend. The BCCI shared a behind-the-scenes video that showcases the players' travel journey and arrival at Heathrow Airport. In the clip, Jasprit Bumrah was seen playfully teasing skipper Gill for sporting sunglasses at night. Meanwhile, young batter B Sai Sudharsan, who received his first-ever Test call-up, shared his excitement about being part of the tour.

 "Excited to be part of the Indian Test team. Welcome to the UK," the stylish left-hand batter said in the video.

Watch the video here;

TEAM INDIA HAVE ARRIVED IN ENGLAND FOR THE TENDULKAR-ANDERSON TROPHY. 🇮🇳pic.twitter.com/mRjNWVVa90

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 7, 2025

See Also: ENG Lions vs IND A, 2nd Unofficial Test Day 1 Recap – Key performances and major Highlights from unofficial Test

No crowd to welcome Indian Cricket Team 

Typically, whenever the Indian cricket team travels abroad, massive crowds of fans and media eagerly await their arrival at airports and team hotels. However, this time in London, the scene was notably subdued. Reports indicate that only a limited number of media representatives and a small group of fans showed up to welcome the squad upon their arrival. The quiet reception was in stark contrast to the usual enthusiastic turnout, especially considering the significance of this tour as India embarks on a new chapter under the leadership of Shubman Gill.

Prior to the Test series with serious demands and expectations, India are expected to play a four-day warm-up match against India A to help them orient their preparation. Interestingly, a few of the members of the main squad had already been in the UK when they played India A games to get used to English conditions. The five-Test series will take place from June to August 2025, at venues such as Headingley, Edgbaston, Lord's, The Oval and Old Trafford.

India Squad for England Tour

IND A 1st Innings 319-7 (83 Overs)

Despite being an ace batter of team India, KL Rahul was desperate to participate in England Lions vs. India A 2nd unofficial test to make himself prepared at the highest order for the upcoming five-match Test series, starting from June 20. 

The form Rahul showed in the IPL 2025 continued in the preparatory match as well. In a fresh green wicket, the right-handed batter showed his skills and techniques a batter needs to survive in a typical English condition. KL Rahul's 116 in Northampton proved to be an innings saver for the traveling side. 

On the other hand, with the inclusion of Chris Woakes, the bowling department of the England Lions looked more promising than in the first unofficial Test. Woakes is one of the senior players who set out to make a comeback in the squad after sustaining an injury. 

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Yashasvi Jaiswal and India Team captain Abhimanyu Easwaran again departed early in the innings. After their dismissals, Rahul and Karun Nair, who recorded a double century in the previous match, this time missed a half-century only by 9 runs. Under tough conditions, Dhruv Jurel again delivered an appreciable innings by scoring 52 runs off 87 balls. England bowlers find it difficult to break the partnership between Rahul and Jurel. The batters combined to tack on a 121-run, 159-ball partnership to lead their team to a respectable total. 

England Lions will try best to take the driving seat in Day 2

Including the main squad and the India A team, there are multiple candidates to play as the opener. While Jaiswal and Easwaran struggled against the shining new ball, Rahul came and captured the hearts of cricket fans batting as an opener. BCCI selectors may feel some relief after watching the calm and controlled innings from the versatile player, who is often utilized to control damage. 

The rain interrupted Day 1 of the 2nd unofficial Test, which was pretty enjoyable for the spectators at County Ground. Both teams tried to do their best to tilt the momentum of the innings. Along with Woakes, George Hill's 18-over spell was impressive with a couple of wickets, including the scalp of Rahul. The beginning of Day 2 can be hard for India A, as all the full-time batters went back to the hut and left the lower order to snatch some more runs. 

KL Rahul made a successful comeback to red-ball cricket, scoring a well-compiled century for his side, India A, against the England Lions in the second unofficial Test. Rahul hit his hundred after Tea on Day 1 off 151 balls, taking command of the innings, signalling he was ready to take back the opener's role in the Test series coming up. Rahul came to bat as an opener and looked rock solid in his game despite losing Yashasvi Jaiswal for 17 runs and Abhimanyu Easwaran for 11 runs. The Indian legendary batter then partnered with Karun Nair to stitch a crucial partnership of 86 runs, which provided solidarity to the Indian batting order after early setbacks. Unfortunately, Nair was dismissed for a solid score of 40 runs off just 71 balls.

Upon getting settled, the talismanic India batter slowly shifted gears, reaching his fifty with patience and then quickly accelerating to his well-deserved century with great confidence and authority. His mature knock included 13 boundaries along with a humongous six. This innings from KL not only put India A in a commanding position but also re assured his case for a permanent spot in India’s Test XI. What was outstanding in that knock was Rahul’s ability to absorb in the relentless pressure and then construct a high-class innings from a very difficult position. This also reflected his experience and adaptability in red-ball cricket.

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Rahul’s form is particularly timely given the selection dilemma at the top of the order. With Rohit Sharma’s position potentially up for grabs, Rahul’s century could prove decisive. Having been shuffled between opening and middle-order roles in recent series, including against Australia, the wicket-keeper batter now looks set for a return to the top. After filling in for Rishabh Pant during his absence, Rahul’s consistent performances and positional flexibility could be just what the team needs heading into a crucial Test season.

Chris Woakes star for England Lions

Chris Woakes made a strong comeback from injury with a fiery new-ball spell in the first Test against India at Leeds. Leading England’s pace attack, Woakes struck early by trapping Yashasvi Jaiswal LBW with a sharp in-seamer that seamed in late. Chris Woakes almost got Abhimanyu Easwaran off the first ball of his spell, but the batter was fortunate when a slip catch was put down. Woakes went on to bowl with control and precision and eventually found a way through Easwaran's defence, this time with a searing delivery that nipped back and crashed into the stumps.

Woakes did not stop there. When he made a second spell in the afternoon session, he struck again, dismissing Karun Nair, who looked well set getting trapped leg before wicket by Woakes; he showed great ability to extract movement off the pitch whilst keeping a probing line and length to maintain pressure on the Indian batters.  Woakes' three-wicket haul highlighted his value to the England side during the comeback.

Team India could face a tough time in the current five-match Test series as England's paceman Jofra Archer is said to be on track to return for the second Test. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) declared their 14-man team for the series' first Test, which will start on June 20. Ben Stokes will remain the captain, and Jamie Overton has been recalled after three years. Gus Atkinson was left out, and Jofra Archer also wasn't initially included because of a recent injury setback.

Archer was set to return to red-ball action after a lengthy absence and was going to feature in the second unofficial Test against India A. But a thumb injury received while representing Rajasthan Royals during the IPL 2025 put a spanner in the works. This delay pushed his much-awaited return to Test cricket, many fearing another prolonged absence.

Even though there was an initial setback, there is renewed hope in the England camp. England's top selector had good news about Archer's fitness and indicated that a second Test comeback at Edgbaston on July 2 may be possible. He said Archer is recovering well and will participate in a couple of second-team games for Sussex. If he is able to play against Durham in the first Test, it could set the stage for his return in the next match.

Archer's Test Comeback on the Cards

Jofra Archer last played Test cricket in February 2021, the irony being that it was against India. If Archer returns to play this Test, it would be a big boost for England's fast bowling attack, knowing Edgbaston is particularly receptive to fast bowling. With Archer's unique pace, bounce, and capacity to reverse swing the ball, he could have a massive impact on the Indian top order.

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The timing of his comeback could be decisive, the series still in its infancy. In full fitness, Archer could tip the balance in England's favor, threatening India's chances of a series victory on English ground.