Preparing for the Battle: BCCI Set to Come Up with Plan to Keep Players Ready for England Tests during IPL 2025
What’s at Stake?
As the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to kick off on March 22, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is working tirelessly to ensure that the Indian team, who will be playing a five-match Test series against England from June to July, remains in top gear. With the IPL’s packed schedule, finding a balance between white-ball cricket and red-ball cricket is crucial to avoid the pattern of underwhelming performances in Test series following the IPL.
A Harsh Reality
Historically, India’s performances in Test series in England have been quite dismal. In 2011, the team suffered a 4-0 whitewash, while the 2014 and 2018 series resulted in 3-1 and 4-1 losses, respectively. Even in 2021, India had a strong start, but the series ultimately ended in a 2-2 draw due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Such instances have led the BCCI to re-evaluate its strategy to ensure players remain in touch with the red ball despite the white-ball action of the IPL.
A Shift in Approach
The BCCI is now considering implementing a plan that includes dedicated red-ball practice sessions for select players during the IPL. These sessions will focus on maintaining the Test specialists’ rhythm, ensuring they remain mentally and technically prepared for the English conditions. In addition, unconventional training activities will be prepared for individual players to cater to their unique needs.
Behind the Scenes
Discussions regarding this initiative took place in Dubai, where members of the Indian team management and BCCI officials gathered during the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Further conversations are expected to take place after the tournament concludes on March 9. Historically, the BCCI has allowed players to focus solely on their franchise commitments during the IPL. However, with the significance of the England Test series, a change in approach is imminent.
The Road Ahead
In an attempt to address the challenges of changing between formats, the BCCI is keen to maintain a balance between IPL and Test cricket. The board’s plan is to ensure that players who will feature in the Test series against England remain in the best possible shape. With the importance of the upcoming series, the BCCI’s efforts will be focused on creating an environment that allows players to switch seamlessly between formats.
Conclusion
The BCCI’s plan to keep players ready for the England Tests during IPL 2025 is a significant step in the right direction. By providing dedicated red-ball practice sessions and unconventional training activities, the board is demonstrating its commitment to helping the team maintain its performance in the longer format of the game. As the 2025 IPL gets underway, fans can expect to see a more refined and focused Indian team, ready to take on the challenge of the England Test series.
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