Chance To Shine: India A Stars Who Have A Point To Prove In Unofficial Tests vs England Lions

India A stars to watch out for [Source: @ImTanujSingh/x.com]

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has reached its business end and now the focus has shifted towards the India tour of England, which takes place next month. However, prior to that series, the India A side, led by Abhimanyu Easwaran will play two unofficial Test matches against England A.

The first of the two Tests will take place on May 30, Friday in Canterbury. The series not only provides a great chance for India to dominate the proceedings but also to stamp their authority, keeping in mind the upcoming India Vs England 5 Tests.

Ahead of the first unofficial Test we look at 3 India A stars for whom this match holds utmost importance.

1) Abhimanyu Easwaran

The captain of the team, Abhimanyu Easwaran will hold the key for his side at the top of the order as the batter will have a tough task of negating the new swinging delivery. Apart from that, there is an added bonus of performing Vs England A.

In the Test series Vs England, India will start with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul as the opening pair, However, if one of them fails in the series midway, there is a good chance that the management might be tempted to give Easwaran a chance in the opening slot.

If the batter scores heavily in the two unofficial Tests, he could be in the reckoning to play in the Test series later that month.

2) Karun Nair

The comeback man of Indian cricket, Karun Nair is returning to the Indian side after almost 8 years, but there is no guarantee that he will play in the main series Vs England. However, if the dashing batter performs exceedingly well against England Lions, there is a chance that he might grab the number 4 or number 5 spot for India.

With Virat Kohli retired, the number 4 void is left and Nair could be the successor if he does well Vs England Lions. However, Gill might be the preferred choice at 4, and Nair could be the one to slot in at 5 and his record speaks about himself.

(Nair record at number 5)

Nair has a brilliant record for India at number 5 and if everything goes well for him in the unofficial Tests, the batter could cement that number 5 spot.

3) Shardul Thakur

Another player who is making his return after a long time, Shardul Thakur was injured for a while, but made his comeback in the ongoing IPL, delivering the goods for Lucknow Super Giants.

India needs a pace bowling all-rounder at number 8 and Shardul has all the capability to fill in the void. Interestingly, his batting record is impeccable in England.

(Shardul batting stats in England)

In just 4 matches, he has 3 fifties in England and if the all-rounder does well with the bat against England Lions, Gautam Gambhir might be tempted to play him at 8, or even at number 7 if required.

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