The BCCI has announced a 15-member India A squad for the two four-day fixtures against Australia A in Lucknow, starting on September 16. Shreyas Iyer has been appointed captain, marking a crucial opportunity for him to re-establish his red-ball credentials after being overlooked for India’s Asia Cup squad. The series will be played in back-to-back matches, with the second starting September 23 at the same venue.
This squad is designed as both a testing ground and a platform for revival. Iyer, who has been on the fringes of Test selection in recent months, will have the chance to lead from the front and push his case for inclusion in India’s upcoming home Test series against the West Indies. His leadership also provides the selectors a chance to observe how he marshals a young but ambitious group.
The squad is further bolstered by the planned inclusion of KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj for the second match. Rahul, recovering from a stretch of injury-related setbacks, will return to red-ball action as he eyes a middle-order role in India’s Test setup. Siraj’s addition will strengthen the pace department, providing an experienced spearhead for the young bowling attack. Their presence in the second match ensures India A gains a balance of experience and youthful energy at a crucial stage of the series.
Among the fresh faces, the selectors have turned to performers from the domestic circuit, signaling a continued commitment to widening the talent pool. The squad features players like Ayush Badoni and Gurnoor Brar, both of whom have impressed with consistent first-class displays. Their selection underlines the A-team’s function as a bridge between domestic cricket and the national side, offering prospects exposure against international-caliber opposition.
Notably absent are Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rajat Patidar, despite their strong form in domestic competitions. Their omission highlights the crowded competition for batting slots and suggests the selectors are looking to test different profiles of players in this phase. Another significant exclusion is Sarfaraz Khan, who was ruled out due to a quadriceps injury picked up in the Buchi Babu tournament. His absence removes a consistent red-ball performer from the mix and delays his next opportunity to press for higher honors.
The bowling attack is headlined by the pace duo of Mukesh Kumar and Avesh Khan, who have both flirted with national selection. In spin, the focus will be on youngsters aiming to prove themselves in conditions that should favor them in Lucknow. These matches will serve as auditions not just for the immediate Test season but also for long-term succession planning in Indian cricket.
For Australia A, the series is equally significant as they prepare their next generation of Test cricketers. For India A, it is a proving ground—an arena where reputation matters less than form and consistency. With Iyer at the helm, Rahul and Siraj adding heft midway, and a group of hungry young cricketers ready to stake their claim, the stage is set for a fascinating contest that doubles as a selection trial for India’s future Test stars.
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