The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering having special red-ball practice matches for some players during the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL). This is with the aim of keeping players well-prepared for the forthcoming five-match Test series against England in June and July. As changing from T20 cricket to Test cricket can prove to be a tough transition, the board intends to keep players ready for red-ball cricket while they are playing the IPL. India has traditionally struggled in Test series in England soon after the IPL. In the year 2011, India faced a 4-0 defeat, followed by 3-1 and 4-1 losses in 2014 and 2018. Even in 2021, Despite being 2-1 up, India failed to win a series because the last Test was canceled due to COVID-19 and subsequently ended in a 2-2 draw. The issue has increased after India's recent poor performances in Tests, such as losing a 3-0 home series to New Zealand and the 3-1 loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to Australia. With those setbacks, the BCCI hopes players get some red-ball training even in the IPL to prepare them for better conditions in England. Red-Ball Practice Sessions for Indian Test Players The BCCI is considering special training activities for Test specialists to make sure that they stay mentally and technically ready for red-ball cricket. These sessions will run alongside IPL matches, allowing key players to stay in touch with longer-format cricket. Details about these activities remain confidential, but the board is eager to introduce them to improve India’s performance in England. Also Read | Virat Kohli Century vs Pakistan: Fans Cheer Despite Defeat BCCI’s Discussion on the Plan A recent discussion between BCCI officials and Indian team management in Dubai, amid the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, was based around this initiative. Another set of discussions will follow after the final of the Champions Trophy on March 9. The BCCI has traditionally allowed players to concentrate solely on IPL obligations during the tournament. With the England tour being important, the board is prepared to approach things differently this time. As the IPL is scheduled from March 22 to May 25 and the England series begins in June, both need to be balanced. The BCCI is confident that these practice matches will help India learn from past failures and begin their new Test season in a good way. The motive behind this plan is to keep players ready for the longest format without creating any hinderance to their IPL commitments. Though the precise training format is yet to be finalized, it is certain that the BCCI wishes to give importance to Test cricket without sacrificing the IPL. However, it very crucial to manage the workload of the players who will be participating in both the IPL and the Test series. The BCCI is aiming to plan it efficiently as they want to avoid yet another dismal outing in Tests in England.