Why did BCCI opt to keep India vs India A intra-squad match behind closed doors?

Shubman Gill with other India players at a practice session (Photo: BCCI)

The highly anticipated intra-squad four-day practice match between India and India A commenced on Friday, being the team's sole match-simulation opportunity ahead of the five-Test series against England. The match, which is being conducted behind closed doors, reminds one of India's approach during the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour of Australia, where practice sessions were also kept private.

As the only preparatory fixture before the opening Test at Leeds on June 20, this match offers players a vital chance to fine-tune their skills under match-like conditions. Notably, this game does not carry first-class status and is not open to spectators or broadcasters, allowing the team management to experiment freely with line-ups and strategies.

A unique feature of this fixture is the inclusion of eight players from the India A squad, who previously played against the England Lions, within the main Test squad. Among them is the experienced KL Rahul, who impressed with a century in that encounter. Others include returning internationals Karun Nair and Shardul Thakur, as well as promising talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Dhruv Jurel, Abhimanyu Easwaran, and Akash Deep.

Currently, it remains uncertain which team these players will represent in the ongoing intra-squad match. It is understood that selections will be flexible, with players likely to rotate between the India and India A sides based on match situations and workload management. This approach is designed to optimise both evaluation and preparation for the Test series.

Meanwhile, head coach Gautam Gambhir has temporarily returned to India due to a family emergency. A BCCI source informed PTI that Gambhir had to travel back to New Delhi as his mother has been hospitalised with health complications. "Yes. He's gone back (to India) for a family emergency," said the source.

In his absence, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has taken charge of the team for the duration of the intra-squad fixture. He is being supported by other members of the coaching staff, including bowling coach Morne Morkel and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak. If all goes well on the personal front, Gambhir is expected to rejoin the squad in England within a week.