IPL 2025: India Players to train for Tests amid IPL? BCCI envisions special Plan for England Tour

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In light of India's recent struggles in Test cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is implementing a plan to keep players engaged with the red-ball format during the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

This initiative will be along with IPL 2025, which is scheduled from March 22 to May 25, immediately followed by a five-match Test series in England starting on June 20 at Headingley.

As per a report from Cricbuzz, the BCCI is considering measures such as organizing red-ball practice sessions and tailored activities for key Test players amidst the IPL.

Preliminary discussions regarding this strategy have already taken place among Indian team management and BCCI officials during the Champions Trophy campaign in Dubai. Further meetings are planned post-Champions Trophy, which concludes on March 9.

What will Players do for Test Series preparations?

Amid the IPL season, a player shall be busy with their franchise commitments and the IPL tournament, but BCCI is planning for curated, customized approach for players to keep themselves in tune with Red Ball cricket. As the Test series against England starts within 25 days from the conclusion of the IPL 2025, the players will have to voyage for England within a week from the conclusion.

Hence, BCCI is looking to keep the players ready for the series. As per reports, players may have to do Red Ball training sessions, the bowlers may also have to manage their workload in IPL and that may see top Indian pacers getting rested for a few IPL matches during the tournament. Similarly, there may be curated plans for a player to address his issue and a potential resolution.

Why is BCCI planning this Test cricket routine amid IPL?

BCCI has envisioned the plan after India's dismal outing in the last few Test assignments. Rohit Sharma and his men had a disastrous Border Gavaskar Trophy where they lost the series 3-1. Before that, New Zealand came to India and decimated the home team with a 3-0 series victory. These two disastrous series dragged India down from the WTC points table and thus they won't be part of the WTC Final this time, which will be played in June.

The England Test series will commence a new cycle and it will be pivotal for the Indian team to make a good start. At the moment, it looks Rohit Sharma will be at the helm leading the team, while Virat Kohli is also tipped to be in the squad.