National Cricket Academy (NCA) coach Sitanshu Kotak is set to take charge of the India A team for their upcoming tour of Australia. The team is scheduled to play two first-class fixtures and an intra-squad clash during their high-stakes trip to Australia. According to TOI, Kotak, who has previously accompanied both India A and the senior Indian team as a coach when regular staff were unavailable, will be guiding the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led unit on this tour.
IND A vs AUS A: Not just a preparation tour
India A is set to play two four-day matches against Australia A in Mackay on October 31 and in Melbourne on November 7. After these encounters, they will participate in a warm-up match against the senior Indian squad in Perth between November 15 and 17, ahead of the first Test between India and Australia on November 22.
The India A squad, which is set to assemble in Mumbai today (October 23), is packed with domestic performers who have consistently impressed. The team also includes players who are just about in the thick of the action as far as the selection in the senior team is concerned.
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One of the standout names is Abhimanyu Easwaran, who has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket. In fact, in his last nine red-ball games, Easwaran has clubbed 832 runs at a monstrous average of 138.6. As the vice-captain, Easwaran is a strong contender for the reserve opener slot when Rohit Sharma leaves for a match during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, the Bengal opener will face stiff competition from Sai Sudharsan, who recently made a double century against Delhi in the Ranji Trophy, and the skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad himself. Maharashtra skipper Gaikwad also scored a 86-ball century recently against Mumbai.
The middle order is well-equipped with the likes of Devdutt Padikkal and Baba Indrajith, both known for their consistent performances. Additionally, Ishan Kishan’s recent domestic form has earned him a place in the squad despite not being in BCCI’s central contract.
The men’s senior selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, will be closely monitoring the pace battery during the tour. Given the extensive nature of the five-Test series against Australia, having a variety of options is crucial. Khaleel Ahmed and Yash Dayal are both in contention, indicating the selectors’ desire for a left-arm seamer in the mix.
India A squad for the tour of Australia:
Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Abhimanyu Easwaran (VC), Sai Sudharsan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Devdutt Padikkal, Ricky Bhui, Baba Indrajith, Ishan Kishan (WK), Abishek Porel (WK), Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, Yash Dayal, Navdeep Saini, Manav Suthar, Tanush Kotian
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