Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan Out of Second Test vs. England Lions

Ahmedabad, India — Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan will miss the second India A match against the England Lions, set to take place in Northampton from June 6. The two players are scheduled to depart later with the main Indian team, while KL Rahul has requested to join the match for some much-needed practice.

Gill, India’s new Test captain, and Sudharsan were pivotal in Gujarat Titans‘ IPL campaign, which ended in the Eliminator stage. Gill scored 650 runs during the tournament, while Sudharsan is the current holder of the Orange Cap with 759 runs to his name. Both players have been training continuously, but a source informed TOI that they need rest and recovery after a long season.

Rahul, on the other hand, is eager to make the most of the opportunity. He requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to allow him to play in the match after facing challenges in training due to rainy weather in Mumbai. He will depart for England on Monday.

The first unofficial Test between India A and the England Lions recently finished in a draw, where Indian batters showed strong performances. Karun Nair struck a double century, while several other players contributed with notable scores. Although the bowlers had a tough time due to a flat pitch, young talent Anshul Kamboj captured attention with his performance.

Following the match, the Indian Test squad will play an intra-squad game in Beckenham from June 13-16, before heading to Leeds for the first Test against England, starting June 20. The absence of Gill and Sudharsan raises strategic questions as India prepares for this crucial series without veteran players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.