India A to play three four-day games vs Lions ahead of England Tests

India Prior to the five-match series against England, which begins in June, a side will play three four-day matches against the England Lions. The recent performances of the Indian Test side in the series against Australia and New Zealand have drawn criticism. For the batters who haven’t had a terrific run in the longest format, their next assignment will present even another hurdle. Following the conclusion of IPL 2025, the five-match series will start on June 20.

The team’s debut series in the next WTC cycle (2025–27) will also be this one. Having missed their third consecutive WTC final, which will now be played between Australia and South Africa at Lord’s starting on June 11, India will have a point to prove following the terrible conclusion of the 2024 season.

The absence of Indian players playing red-ball cricket outside of international matches is the other aspect that has generated a lot of discussion.

The four-day games against the England Lions will therefore only help the players get ready for the highly anticipated series.

The decision will allow India’s struggling seniors to find some form in addition to assisting the selectors in testing emerging talent.

With three ODIs and five T20Is against the Three Lions starting on January 22, the Indian team is now concentrating on getting ready for the home series against England. This will be the team’s final series before the Champions Trophy 2025, which will start on February 19 and be hosted by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.

With the Indian Premier League scheduled to begin on March 21 and run through May 25, there will be a slight respite from international cricket following the ICC event. Following the T20 franchise league, the India A team will play the England Lions.