In a build-up to the blockbuster five-match Test series against England, the BCCI has revealed a power-packed India A squad set to tour England for three crucial first-class matches on May 16. The Indian selectors picked a blend of rising stars and fringe contenders in the India A squad to test them in challenging English conditions.

It is being said that the India A squad selection wasn't a smooth task. The changes in the IPL 2025 schedule due to India-Pakistan conflicts forced the Indian selectors to make tough calls. With the IPL 2025 playoffs running till June 3, there were a lot of chops and changes behind closed doors.

BCCI names India A squad amid chaos behind the scenes

The BCCI had ordered the national selectors to select only those players who are highly likely to be out of contention for the IPL 2025 playoffs. The selected players will depart for England on May 25, while Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill and in-form batter Sai Sudharsan will join the team ahead of the second match against England Lions.

A source close to the developments was quoted as saying by IANS, "There was a lot of chaos, and hence, the BCCI advised selectors to pick the squad with those players whose teams are or are highly likely to be out of contention for the IPL 2025 playoffs.

The India 'A' players named in the squad are likely to leave for England on May 25."

Karun Nair named in the A squad for England tour

Meanwhile, Karun Nair, who was once hailed as India's next middle-order giant after his historic triple century against England in 2016, has forced his way back into the national schemes in style. Nair was picked for the India A squad for the tour of England after a remarkable domestic season.

He played a key role in Vidarbha's Ranji Trophy 2024-25 triumph, where he scored 863 runs at an average of nearly 54.

He also impressed in English conditions, scoring 736 runs in 14 innings for Northamptonshire, including a double century. His return comes at a time when India is searching for someone to step up after the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

Apart from Nair, Abhimanyu Easwaran, another consistent performer in domestic cricket, has been picked and named India A captain against England Lions. Other prominent names in the squad are Dhruv Jurel, who has been named vice-captain, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan, and Sarfaraz Khan for the upcoming red-ball games.

Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep to lead India's pace attack against England Lions

India's bowling attack featured Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, Harshit Rana, and Harsh Dubey, who was the best bowler in the recent Ranji season. Uncapped players like Manav Suthar, Tanush Kotian, Anshul Kamboj, and Tushar Deshpande, along with experienced names like Khaleel Ahmed and Ruturaj Gaikwad, have also found a place in the India A squad for the England tour.

This tour is a golden chance for the players to impress the selectors and possibly earn a spot in the main squad for the upcoming five-match Test against England, starting on June 20.

Before this Test series, India A are scheduled to play two games against England Lions from May 30-June 2 in Canterbury and June 6-9 in Northampton and one intra-squad match against the senior India team from June 13-16 in Beckenham.