The IPL 2025 is all set to resume again from May 17 with tensions easing between India and Pakistan. The final that was supposed to be played on May 25, is now postponed to June 3. The final league game will be played on May 27, and thus, it has raised questions over the selection of the India A squad for England tour.
The India A are scheduled to play two unofficial Tests against England Lions and the first of those games will start on May 30. The second game will begin on June 6, and so it would be difficult for the players who will play in IPL playoffs to feature for India A games. Let's now dive deeper and see who are the three high-profile players that are in danger of missing out on India A games.
Rajat Patidar
Rajat Patidar is leading RCB in IPL 2025 and his team is doing pretty well, with playoff qualification almost confirmed. RCB might also finish in top-2, and thus there are high chances that Rajat Patidar would most probably be playing a game for RCB when the first unofficial Test in England starts.
Rajat Patidar in Ranji Trophy 2024-25
Criterion
Data
Innings
11
Runs
529
Average
48.09
Strike-Rate
77
Thus, Rajat Patidar who has played three Tests and one ODI for India so far would most probably miss out on the two games against England A. He had good chances of making it to the India A squad after consistent performances in first-class cricket over the years. As shown in the table, he was brilliant in the Ranji season for Madhya Pradesh and can be one of the contenders in the batting line-up after the retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
The left-arm pacer has been a consistent performer for India in T20Is and there are now reports that he would be selected in the senior Test side for the five-match series against England. However, selectors would like to give him more game time with India A matches before the main series starts.
Arshdeep Singh in First-Class Cricket
Criterion
Data
Innings
37
Wickets
66
Average
30.37
Strike-Rate
56.9
Those plans might get spoiled now as Arshdeep Singh is a key player for Punjab Kings who are likely to qualify for the playoffs. Thus, the left-arm pacer is all set to miss out an opportunity to impress selectors and team management ahead of the five-match series in the purest format. As evident from the table, Arshdeep has a good first-class record and his experience of playing in county would have also helped him while bowling for India A in England.
Tilak Varma
Tilak Varma is one of the rising young talents in Indian cricket, and has played T20Is and ODIs for India. His first-class record is also fantastic and he could be a long-term batting option for India in the longest format. He also scored a century in the Duleep Trophy last year, and thus was in line to get selected in the India A squad.
Tilak Varma In First-Class Cricket
Criterion
Data
Innings
28
Runs
1204
Average
50.16
100/50s
5/4
The batter though is playing for Mumbai Indians in IPL, and the five-time champions have a fair chance to make it to the playoffs once again. If they do, Tilak Varma will miss out on the chance to play against England A and thus, will not be able to grab the opportunity of impressing the selectors after the retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Rajat Patidar in IPL 2025 (Source: AP Photos)
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