Ruturaj Gaikwad is expected to lead the India A team on their upcoming tour of Australia later this month. The talented right-handed batter, who has already made waves in domestic and international cricket, is seen as the ideal candidate to guide the 15-member squad. Gaikwad’s leadership will be crucial as the team prepares for two four-day matches against Australia A in Mackay and Melbourne.
Strong line-up: India-A vs Australia
Alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad, the India A squad boasts other prominent openers such as Abhimanyu Easwaran and Sai Sudharsan. Easwaran, 29, has been in scintillating form this domestic season, smashing centuries in the Duleep Trophy, Irani Trophy, and Ranji Trophy for Bengal.
Meanwhile, 23-year-old Sudharsan has been impressive as well, with a first-class century for Surrey and a double hundred for Tamil Nadu in the ongoing Ranji Trophy.
These players may be auditioning for a potential spot in India’s senior Test squad, as India may require a reserve opener for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, given that Rohit Sharma is expected to miss one of the first two matches for personal reasons.
Middle-order and All-rounders
The middle-order will be bolstered by the inclusion of Devdutt Padikkal, B Indrajith, and Ricky Bhui. All three have shown promise in domestic cricket, with Indrajith providing the experience and composure needed in the squad. Abishek Porel and Ishan Kishan will take up wicket-keeping duties for the tour.
In terms of allrounders, the squad features 21-year-old Nitish Kumar Reddy, who recently recovered from a hernia and made his T20I debut for India against Bangladesh. Reddy, currently a reserve player for India’s Test series against New Zealand, is seen as a future asset for the national side. Joining him in the allrounder department are Tanush Kotian and Manav Suthar.
Formidable pace attack
The fast-bowling attack will include experienced pacers such as Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Khaleel Ahmed, and Yash Dayal. This quartet is expected to provide the necessary firepower against Australia A, helping India A test their mettle on challenging Australian pitches.
Warm-up and Schedule
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 tour will provide invaluable match practice for both teams as they prepare for the high-stakes Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.
India A Squad for the Australia Tour
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain)
- Abhimanyu Easwaran
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Sai Sudharsan
- B Indrajith
- Abishek Porel (wk)
- Ishan Kishan (wk)
- Mukesh Kumar
- Ricky Bhui
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Manav Suthar
- Navdeep Saini
- Khaleel Ahmed
- Tanush Kotian
- Yash Dayal
This tour is expected to be a critical stepping stone for players looking to cement their place in the senior Indian cricket setup, with several eyes on potential future stars of Indian cricket.
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