BCCI's unique plan for Team India ahead of England tour
What's the story
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is planning a way to keep players in touch with red-ball cricket during the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
This comes ahead of India's five-match Test series in England, which is scheduled for June-July, just after the IPL.
The plan could see players attending "occasional red-ball practice sessions" or other quirky activities of certain players.
Dual focus
BCCI's strategy to balance IPL and Test cricket
The BCCI's plan is to ensure players don't lose touch with Test cricket in the two-month-long IPL season, which will be played from March 22 to May 25.
The exact details of this strategy are yet to be revealed.
However, initial discussions about this dual focus approach have already taken place among key figures from the Indian team management and BCCI planners in Dubai.
Performance review
BCCI's response to India's Test performance
The BCCI's move to keep players busy with red-ball cricket during the IPL season is in wake of India's recent Test show.
The team hasn't won a single Test series in England of late. The trend includes a 4-0 defeat in 2011, 3-1 loss in 2014, and a 4-1 setback in 2018.
India drew their last away Test series in England (2-2 in 2021). It was split due to COVID-19, with England winning the final Test played a year later.
Recent setbacks
India's recent Test series results
India's recent Test series results haven't been up to the mark. The team faced a rare series defeat to New Zealand (3-0) at home.
India were routed at home, which saw their unbeaten streak in home Tests snap.
India then lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under despite winning the series opener in Perth.
Notably, India have lost six of their last eight Tests.