India A vs England Lions: As the Indian senior team prepares for the highly anticipated five-match Test series against England, the unofficial Test matches between India A and England Lions offered a timely dress rehearsal. Packed with stars like KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karun Nair, Shardul Thakur, and Abhimanyu Easwaran, the practice games turned out to be a mixed bag of performances. While some players delivered performances that shouted for attention, others left more questions than answers.

KL Rahul and Karun Nair steal the show

India A vs England Lions: If there was one name that stood out emphatically, it was KL Rahul. Making a strong return to red-ball cricket, Rahul was sheer class with the bat. In just two innings, he amassed 167 runs, reaffirming his value ahead of the England series. His timing, composure, and maturity with the bat reflected the kind of reliability India will need in English conditions.

But perhaps the most heartwarming story was that of Karun Nair. Once hailed as Indian cricket’s next big thing after his triple hundred against England in 2016, Karun had since faded into the shadows. But in these matches, he made a sensational comeback, scoring a double century in the opening match and finishing the series as India A’s top scorer with 259 runs. It wasn’t just a statement of form—it was a loud knock on the selectors’ door.

Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel make their case

India A vs England Lions: Sarfaraz Khan, who has been waiting in the wings despite mountains of runs in domestic cricket, showed once again why many feel he deserves a Test cap. Though he got just one opportunity to bat during the series, he made it count with a gritty 92, further strengthening his claim for a middle-order spot.

Wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel also emerged as one of the brightest prospects from the series. He was consistent with the bat, registering three half-centuries and scoring a total of 227 runs. While Rishabh Pant remains the first-choice keeper, Jurel’s form gives the team management a sweet selection dilemma. Leaving such a performer on the bench won’t be easy.

Bowling worries: Shardul Thakur disappoints, Kamboj impresses

India A vs England Lions: On the bowling front, things weren’t as rosy. Shardul Thakur, expected to be one of the leading all-round options for India in Tests, had a forgettable outing. In two matches, he picked up just two wickets and contributed only 80 runs with the bat across three innings. For a player fighting to stay relevant in the Test setup, it was a performance that did more harm than good.

Nitish Kumar Reddy also struggled to make an impact. Despite a promising IPL campaign, he could manage only 135 runs in four innings and picked up two wickets. The buzz around him fizzled out quickly on this tour.

However, not all was gloom. A new name made a quiet but powerful impression—Anshul Kamboj. With five wickets and a handy half-century, Kamboj looked disciplined and effective. His accuracy and control stood out, and many are already calling him the biggest find of these matches. Another bowler who impressed was left-armer Khaleel Ahmed. Playing just one match, Khaleel made the most of it, troubling English batsmen consistently and grabbing four wickets in his spell. His performance has put him in serious contention for a spot in the senior squad.

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Easwaran fall short

India A vs England Lions: Much was expected from Yashasvi Jaiswal after his impressive IPL season, but he failed to make a big impact in these matches. He scored just 110 runs in two games, managing only one half-century. While the left-hander has shown promise in previous Test outings, this dip in form is something the think tank would want him to shrug off quickly.

Abhimanyu Easwaran, the India A captain, too, had a lukewarm run. Though he scored two fifties, his total of 167 runs across four innings didn’t scream confidence. For someone eyeing a backup opener slot, the performances were steady but not standout.

What does this mean ahead of the England series?

India A vs England Lions: With the England Test series around the corner, these unofficial matches have helped the Indian management get a clearer picture. KL Rahul and Karun Nair look in sublime touch, and Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel continue to knock hard on the doors of Test cricket. However, the struggles of players like Thakur, Easwaran, and Jaiswal indicate that not everyone is ready for the rigors of English conditions just yet.

On the bowling front, India might have unearthed a hidden gem in Anshul Kamboj, while Khaleel Ahmed’s strong left-arm angle could be a valuable asset in seaming conditions.

As the senior side gets ready to take on England, these performances—good, bad, and unexpected—will play a major role in shaping team combinations, strategies, and the pecking order going forward. The stage is set for a blockbuster Test series, and these players just made it a lot more interesting.