India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, is reportedly set to travel with the India A team to England ahead of the senior team’s five-match Test series against England, starting June 20, 2025. This marks the first time a senior team head coach will accompany an India A side on a tour. The decision stems from Gambhir’s intent to closely evaluate the reserve player pool, as revealed by a BCCI source.

Gambhir has been in discussions with the BCCI since returning from Australia and has emphasized the importance of reviving India A tours, which had declined after Rahul Dravid’s tenure at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). Alongside chief selector Ajit Agarkar and NCA head VVS Laxman, Gambhir identified these tours as crucial for strengthening India’s bench strength. The move aligns with his belief in nurturing “wild card” players who could play pivotal roles in upcoming series.

India’s reliance on key players like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami in Tests has raised concerns, especially after injuries impacted their availability. By traveling with the India A team, Gambhir aims to identify potential replacements and reduce overdependence on senior players. This strategy could prove vital as India prepares for high-stakes assignments like the Champions Trophy and World Test Championship.