First batch of India's Test squad along with coach Gautam Gambhir to leave for England on this date

First batch of India's Test squad to leave for England on June 6

According to a Times of India (TOI) report, head coach Gautam Gambhir along with the first batch of India's Test squad, is scheduled to depart for England on June 6. Subsequent batches of players will leave based on their commitments in the ongoing IPL 2025 season, depending on their selection in the Test squad.

"The players who get free from the IPL during the league stage are likely to leave with coach Gambhir on June 6. The rest will leave after a short break post the IPL 2025 commitments," BCCI official said as quoted by TOI.

Moreover, it has been learned that a significant portion of India's support staff is presently not in the country. There is a possibility that they will directly join the Test squad in England. The final communication regarding the departure schedule will be conveyed to both the players and support staff once the Test squad is officially announced.

ALSO READ: ICC announces highest-ever prize money pool for WTC final, big payout awaits India for 2023-2025 cycle

Notably, India A squad is slated to start their travel to England in phases, starting from May 25. Players who are not participating in the IPL or its playoffs will be part of the first batch to depart. The remaining players will join the India A squad at a later date, contingent on their IPL involvement. The announcement of the India A squad was initially anticipated earlier this week; however, the revised IPL schedule has necessitated adjustments to these plans by the men's senior selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar.

ALSO READ: Big News: Gujarat Titans to bring in Sri Lanka star as Jos Buttler's replacement for IPL 2025 playoffs

Meanwhile, the five-match Test series between India and England is scheduled to kick off at the Leeds Cricket Ground in Headingley, with the first match taking place from June 20 to 24. Following a week's interval, the cricketing action will then shift to Birmingham's Edgbaston Cricket Ground, where the second Test will be held from July 2 to 6. Just four days later, the third Test will unfold at the hallowed grounds of Lord's Cricket Ground in the heart of London, from July 10 to July 14. Manchester will then take over hosting duties for the fourth Test at the iconic Old Trafford from July 23 to July 27. The fifth and final encounter of this compelling series is set to be played at The Oval in London, spanning from July 31 to August 4.