June 14, 2025 - Team India’s Test captain Shubman Gill and star batsman KL Rahul scored brilliant half-centuries on the first day of the intra-squad match being played in Beckenham.

Team India is playing this match to strengthen their preparation before the upcoming five-match Test series. The match is being played behind closed doors. The BCCI has shared some pictures from the match on its official 'X' (formerly Twitter) account. In the photos, new captain Gill and Rahul can be seen hitting big shots.

Gill-Rahul Score Fifties 

There is no live streaming or telecast available for the intra-squad match being played. Last week, India A played a two-match unofficial Test series against England Lions. Rahul had scored a brilliant century in the second unofficial match.

Rahul to Open 

Rahul will open the innings for India in the five-match Test series against England. He also opened during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and impressed everyone with his batting. He scored a half-century in the ongoing intra-squad match as well. Along with him, captain Gill also played a solid knock and completed his half-century.

Shardul Shines with the Ball

While Gill and Rahul impressed with the bat, Shardul Thakur stood out with the ball. He took important wickets and made a strong case for his selection in the playing XI. The BCCI shared pictures from the match on its official 'X' (formerly Twitter) account with the caption: "Beckenham... A solid opening day in the intra-squad game! Half-centuries for KL Rahul and captain Shubman Gill, Shardul Thakur took wickets."

Yashasvi Fails to Impress

In one of the pictures, Yashasvi Jaiswal can be seen at the non-striker's end. However, BCCI did not mention his performance, which suggests he couldn’t do anything special in this match.

This is Yashasvi’s first tour of England. He had come early to get used to the conditions and also played two matches for India A, but failed to make an impact in those games too.

First Test from June 20

The five-match Test series between India and England will begin at Headingley from June 20 to 24. The rest of the matches will be played at:

• Birmingham (July 2–6)
• Lord’s (July 10–14)
• Manchester (July 23–27)
• The Oval (July 31–August 4)

Aims to Create History in England

India last won a Test series in England in 2007 under the captaincy of Rahul Dravid, with a 1-0 win in a three-match series. Now, under Gill’s captaincy, Team India will look to create history once again on English soil.