The India A squad has been announced for a three-match unofficial test series against New Zealand. The 15-man squad features prominent names such as KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rishabh Pant. The management has decided to entrust the captaincy of the team to Dhruv Jurel. The series is scheduled to begin on October 24.
Eleven players in this squad have experience playing Test matches for India. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not specified how many of the three players—KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Washington Sundar—will participate in the matches. These three are also part of India's plans for a one-day series against New Zealand, making their schedule very tight.
The first unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand A will take place from October 24 to 28 in Lincoln. The second match is scheduled from October 31 to November 3 in Christchurch, and the third match will be held from November 7 to 10 again in Lincoln. During this time, India and New Zealand will conduct a three-match ODI series starting on November 4. The second and third ODIs are slated for November 7 and 10, respectively. Consequently, the participation of KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Washington Sundar in all three India A matches appears unlikely.
Despite Rishabh Pant's inclusion in the India A squad, his selection will depend on his health condition. Pant is also considered an important element in India's plans for a two-match Test series against New Zealand. In the event of Pant's absence, Dhruv Jurel is ready to serve as a reserve wicketkeeper. Sai Sudarshan is also in the process of competing for a spot in the main Test team, while Manav Chatur is included as an option for the spin department.
The squad also includes fast bowlers who have played for India in Tests: Akash Dip, Anshul Kamboj, and Mukesh Kumar. Akash Dip is expected to remain in the national team for upcoming tests, and these matches against New Zealand A could serve as valuable preparation for him. Mukesh Kumar recently demonstrated impressive performance in the Iranian Cup final, and his return increases competition in the fast bowling group. Fast bowler Akib Nabi from Jammu and Kashmir has also been included. With his inclusion, the number of players who have played international cricket for the India A team has reached 12.
It should be noted that there are three other players in the squad who have never represented India internationally. Among them are batsman Smaran Ravichandran, who has shown excellent results in domestic cricket, left-arm fast bowler Mukesh Choudhary, and batsman Yash Rathore from Vidarbha.
The India A squad includes: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Ravichandran Smaran, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper)*, Dhruv Jurel (captain/wicketkeeper), Washington Sundar, Akib Nabi, Akash Dip, Anshul Kamboj, Manav Chatur, Mukesh Choudhary, Sai Sudarshan, Yash Rathore, and Mukesh Kumar.