Following Shubman Gill’s inclusion in India’s Test squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh, Mayank Agarwal has been appointed captain of the India A team for the remainder of the Duleep Trophy 2024. Gill’s selection comes as India prepares for the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, set to begin on 19 September.
With Gill departing for international duty, Agarwal will take charge of leading India A, aiming to bounce back after a disappointing start in the tournament.
India A struggles in Duleep Trophy opener
India A faced a tough start in their Duleep Trophy campaign, suffering a 76-run defeat to India B at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Despite the presence of key players like Agarwal and Gill, the team couldn’t build the momentum needed to secure a victory.
Agarwal’s contributions with the bat were modest, scoring 36 in the first innings and just 3 in the second, while Gill struggled to make an impact, managing scores of 25 and 21. India A will now look to regroup as they prepare to face Shreyas Iyer’s India D in their next match at the Rural Development Trust Stadium in Anantapur from 12 September.
Mayank Agarwal new challenge as Captain
With Shubman Gill no longer part of the Duleep Trophy, the responsibility now falls on Mayank Agarwal to guide India A through the remaining matches. Agarwal, who has experience leading Karnataka in domestic cricket, will be looking to inspire his team to a comeback.
He will open the batting, providing stability at the top while the middle order, featuring Riyan Parag, SK Rasheed, and Tilak Varma, will need to step up.
India A squad under Mayank Agarwal leadership
Mayank Agarwal will lead a strong squad that includes talented players like Shivam Dube, all-rounder Shams Mulani, and fast bowlers Prasidh Krishna, Khaleel Ahmed, and Avesh Khan. With coach Sunil Joshi guiding the team, India A will aim to turn their fortunes around in the coming matches.
As India A seeks redemption, all eyes will be on Agarwal’s captaincy and how he manages the team in this crucial phase of the Duleep Trophy.
INDIA A TEAM
Mayank Agarwal (c), Riyan Parag, Akshay Narang, SK Rasheed, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Tanush Kotian, Shams Mulani, Prasidh Krishna, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan.
Coach: Sunil Joshi
