After Delhi Capitals’ narrow miss on the IPL 2025 playoffs, KL Rahul has made a decisive pivot toward red-ball cricket, requesting to join the India A squad for their ongoing tour of England. According to multiple reports, Rahul informed the BCCI that he wants to play the second unofficial Test against England Lions starting June 6 — a move that signals his full commitment to the upcoming five-Test series against England.
“He will be flying on Monday and will be playing a second unofficial test with the India A side. As he is part of the senior men’s team, which will be playing five Test matches in the series, these matches will give him game time and match practice,” a source in the BCCI confirmed to The Indian Express.
Stepping up as senior players miss out
Initially, the selectors had named Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan in the India A squad for the second match. However, with both players involved with Gujarat Titans during the IPL, their availability was uncertain. Following GT’s defeat in the Eliminator, they are now expected to be available, but Rahul had already stepped forward to fill the gap and will travel as planned.
Rahul, free from IPL commitments after DC’s early exit, has stepped up, signaling both readiness and leadership. The 32-year-old will join the Abhimanyu Easwaran-led India A squad as they prepare to face the England Lions at Northampton. The first unofficial Test began on May 30 in Canterbury, with Rahul unavailable for that match due to the short turnaround.
Match rhythm before the England Test series
The India A stint is part of a wider preparation strategy for India’s senior Test squad, nine of whom are also part of the A team. Following the unofficial Tests, the main squad will participate in an intra-squad game on June 13 in Beckenham before the first Test gets underway on June 20 in Leeds.
Rahul, who has played 58 Tests and scored over 2,900 runs, is expected to play a key role for India in the absence of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both of whom have retired from the format. His past performances against England — including a memorable 129 at Lord’s in 2021 — make him a crucial asset for the team on this challenging overseas tour.
A personal love for Test cricket
In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Rahul shared a heartfelt reflection on his love for the longest format, emphasizing why he continues to prioritize it despite the changing dynamics of modern cricket.
“I love red ball cricket. I mean you can’t take that away from me or anyone who’s part of that Indian team. Everyone that I’ve spoken to on that Indian team, we’re all on the same page as to Test cricket is number one for us. We love playing Test cricket and that hasn’t changed for me,” said Rahul.
He also touched on the deep personal connection he has with the format, shaped by memories of watching matches with his father.
“I grew up watching Test cricket. I grew up watching you guys play for England. I used to wake up at five in the morning and watch Test cricket in Australia with my father. He loved watching cricket as well,” he added.
Looking ahead
Rahul’s decision to seek red-ball action ahead of the England Tests reinforces the mindset that India’s senior players are bringing into the tour. With five high-stakes matches on the horizon, Rahul’s presence in the India A setup is not just about getting in rhythm — it’s a statement about where his priorities lie.
And for Indian cricket, as they prepare for one of the toughest assignments in the sport, it’s exactly the kind of leadership the team needs.
