In order to keep players ready for the five-match Test series against England in June and July, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is devising a plan for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), which is planned to take place from March 22 to May 25. The BCCI wants to keep IPL and Test cricket in balance because of the difficulties in switching between formats.
India has historically had poor results in Test series played in England just after the IPL. The tour concluded in a 4-0 thumping, and the series in 2014 and 2018 ended in 3-1 and 4-1 defeats, respectively. Even in 2021, the visitors led 2-1 until the Covid-19 pandemic stopped the series, and when the last Test was postponed a year later, it ended in a 2-2 draw.
The BCCI is ensuring that players stay up to date with red-ball cricket despite the IPL’s white-ball action, given the ongoing challenges in England.
After a string of recent Test match disappointments, including a 3-0 loss to New Zealand at home and a 3-1 loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, this strategy was developed.
These meetings will focus on maintaining the rhythm of the test specialists.
The board is thinking about putting into action a scheme that would give some players special red-ball practice sessions during the IPL. The goal of these workshops is to ensure that the test specialists are both technically and mentally prepared for the English environment. Individual athletes will also have access to non-traditional training exercises.
Officials from the BCCI and members of the Indian team management met in Dubai during the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to explore this plan. Interviews are anticipated to continue following the tournament’s conclusion on March 9. Throughout the IPL, the BCCI has traditionally permitted players to concentrate entirely on their franchise obligations. But there will undoubtedly be a change in strategy given the significance of the England Test series.
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