Sports

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Indian cricketer KL Rahul is all set to leave for England on Monday, ahead of the much-anticipated India-England Test series scheduled to begin this summer. The stylish right-hander, who has been recovering from a minor injury, is now fit and keen to begin his preparations early in order to regain form and rhythm before the red-ball challenge on English soil.

who last featured for India during the IPL 2025 season while leading the Lucknow Super Giants, has been working on his fitness at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. While initial concerns about his availability for the England tour lingered due to a lingering quadriceps strain, the medical team has reportedly given him the green light after a final assessment this week.

Sources close to the team confirmed that the 32-year-old opener will fly to the UK on Monday to acclimatize to the conditions and get ample practice before joining the rest of the squad. “Rahul has been in good touch at the nets and is eager to return to red-ball cricket. The management has supported his decision to travel early and get used to the English conditions, especially since he hasn’t played much Test cricket recently,” a BCCI official stated.

India’s tour of England consists of a five-match Test series, which is part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. The first Test begins in Nottingham on June 28. With the pitches in England traditionally favoring swing and seam, preparation and adaptability become key factors in the subcontinent team’s performance.

Rahul’s early departure signals his intent to solidify his spot in the Test squad, especially after a stop-start red-ball career over the past few years. Despite his immense talent and a few memorable overseas knocks — including a century at Lord’s in 2021 — Rahul’s place in the playing XI has often been under scrutiny due to inconsistency and stiff competition from younger players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill.

with the selectors showing faith in experienced campaigners for overseas tours, Rahul’s versatility and technique against the moving ball could prove invaluable. He has also been practicing wicketkeeping drills, indicating that he could double up as a back-up wicketkeeper if needed.

Coach Rahul Dravid is believed to have advised key players to reach England in batches to avoid jet lag and to begin conditioning under the guidance of local support staff already stationed there. This phased approach is aimed at ensuring players are in peak shape heading into the crucial series.

skipper Rohit Sharma and a few other core players are expected to leave for England later next week following a brief training camp in Bengaluru. India will also play a four-day warm-up match against a County Select XI before the official Test series begins.

The early departure also underscores the importance India is placing on this series. After losing the last Test series in England 2-1 (with the final match being postponed and later played in 2022), the team is determined to turn the tide. A strong start could significantly boost India’s standings in the WTC rankings and strengthen their claim for a spot in the final.

As Rahul boards his flight to England, fans and selectors alike will be watching closely. With both pressure and opportunity knocking, the tour could well mark a pivotal point in KL Rahul’s Test career — one that offers redemption, revival, and perhaps, renewed relevance in India’s red-ball future.