Diabytes
Who Did What In India vs India A: Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Shardul Thakur Shine In Closed-Door Match - In Pics
India’s intra-squad match in Beckenham kicked off preparations for the England Test series, with Shubman Gill and KL Rahul impressing with solid half-centuries. All-rounder Shardul Thakur stood out with key wickets, strengthening his case for a Test spot over Nitish Reddy. The match, played behind closed doors without live coverage, opened on a sombre note with a tribute to victims of the Ahmedabad Air India crash. Head coach Gautam Gambhir was absent due to a family emergency. This four-day game serves as India’s final tune-up before the first Test at Leeds on June 20 under new captain Gill.
1. Shubman Gill Begins Captaincy Era with Confident Fifty
New skipper Shubman Gill silenced critics with a stylish half-century, gaining much-needed momentum ahead of the England Test series where he averages just 14.66 on English soil.
2. KL Rahul Continues Red-Hot Form in England
)
KL Rahul extended his sublime run with another composed fifty—adding to his earlier 116 vs England Lions—making a strong case for a crucial middle-order role in the England Tests.
3. Shardul Thakur Stakes Claim as India’s Seam All-Rounder
)
Using swing-friendly conditions, Shardul Thakur picked key wickets and reminded selectors of his English experience—outperforming rival Nitish Reddy in the intra-squad selection race.
4. India Pays Tribute to Ahmedabad Plane Crash Victims
)
A minute’s silence and black armbands marked a sombre start as Team India mourned the Air India crash victims—showing unity and compassion before battle.
5. No Live Streaming? Here’s Why Fans Were Left in the Dark
)
Unlike the England Lions matches, the BCCI declared this a “closed intra-squad game”—meaning no live streaming, scorecard, or media access, sparking widespread fan curiosity online.
6. Karun Nair’s Earlier 204 Adds Pressure on Batting Contenders
)
Although not in action on Day 1, Karun Nair’s double century in a prior warm-up has made selection trickier—especially for top-order hopefuls like Abhimanyu Easwaran and Sai Sudharsan.
7. Eyes on Nitish Reddy as Selection Tensions Build
)
Despite a quiet Day 1, young Nitish Kumar Reddy remains in contention for the seam-bowling all-rounder slot—making his duel with Thakur one to watch throughout the match.
8. Beckenham Conditions Aid Seamers Early On
)
Seamers like Thakur made early breakthroughs thanks to overcast skies and green-top conditions—echoing the challenges India will face at Headingley, Lord's, and The Oval.
9. Coach Gambhir Absent Due to Family Emergency
)
Head coach Gautam Gambhir missed Day 1 due to his mother’s health emergency—though his tactical blueprint remains central to India’s red-ball reboot post-Kohli and Rohit era.
10. Final Test Dress Rehearsal Before June 20 at Leeds
)
This intra-squad match is India’s only remaining prep before the 1st Test vs England at Leeds—making every run, wicket, and tactical decision pivotal in shaping the playing XI.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
Trending Photos
9)
12)
7)
8)
)
