The BCCI is taking a tough stance on senior players following India’s disastrous Test season, which ultimately cost them a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. In a major development, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are reportedly set to play for India A before the high-stakes Test series against England later this year.
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Why Are Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli Playing for India A?
India’s recent Test struggles have forced the board to rethink its approach. The team suffered back-to-back defeats against New Zealand (3-0 at home) and Australia (3-1 away), crushing their hopes of reaching the WTC final for the third time in a row.
With the upcoming five-match Test series in England marking the start of the new WTC cycle, the BCCI is leaving no room for complacency. The board wants to ensure that the team is well-prepared to end their 18-year-long wait for a Test series win in England (India’s last Test series victory in England came in 2007).
India A Matches Before England Test Series
To gear up for the crucial tour, Kohli and Rohit—along with other senior players—will play two four-day matches for India A against England Lions in May-June:
📅 Match 1: May 30 – The Spitfire Ground, Canterbury
📅 Match 2: June 6 – County Ground, Northampton
These matches will serve as preparatory games before the first Test begins on June 20.
Tough Schedule for IPL Stars
With the IPL 2025 final set for May 25, Kohli and Rohit will have little time to rest before heading to England. Their immediate switch from T20 cricket to red-ball cricket is expected to be a huge challenge, especially for players involved in the IPL playoffs.
Karun Nair Set for India Recall
Meanwhile, Karun Nair is also set to make a return to the India A setup after an outstanding domestic season. The 32-year-old was the leading run-scorer in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and finished fourth in the Ranji Trophy charts with 863 runs in nine matches.
Selection Pressure on Senior Stars
Kohli and Rohit’s inclusion in India A suggests that the BCCI is serious about performance-based selection. Their participation will not only help them regain form but also send a strong message to other senior players that no one is guaranteed a spot in the Test team.
Can Rohit and Kohli prove themselves and help India end their England Test series drought? Or will we see a fresh wave of talent taking over? Let us know your thoughts!
