The BCCI has announced the India ‘A’ squad for the upcoming four-day matches at home against Australia ‘A’. The selection committee led by MSK Prasad has picked Shreyas Iyer as captain and KS Bharat as wicket-keeper. Kuldeep Yadav, who was axed from the Indian Test squad has been picked in the ‘A’ squad to get the red-ball experience before Australia tour later this year.
Also the in-form pacer Mohammed Siraj found his place in the 14-man squad. The speedster did exceedingly well against South Africa ‘A’. Another pacer Rajneesh Gurbani, who did well in the first match of Duleep Trophy got a chance as well.
Alongside Kuldeep Yadav, the spinner Krishnappa Gowtham came in the place of Yuzvendra Chahal. The leggie expressed his desire to prepare for the upcoming Asia Cup, which made selectors to exclude him from the squad. Shahbaz Nadeem is another spinner who retained his place in the ‘A’ squad.
On the other hand, off-spinning all-rounder Jayant Yadav does not find a spot. Axar Patel was not available for selection due to his County commitment with Durham.
The promotion of Prithvi Shaw and Hanuma Vihari to the Test squad for the last two matches against England has resulted in Shubman Gill entering the ‘A’ team. The promising 18-year old has played two first-class matches in his fledgling career thus far.
Both four-day matches between India ‘A’ and Australia ‘A’ will be held in Vizag.
India ‘A’ squad: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Mayank Agarwal, Ravikumar Samarth, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Ankit Bawne, Shubman Gill, Kona Srikar Bharat (wicket-keeper), Shahbaz Nadeem, Kuldeep Yadav, Krishnappa Gowtham, Rajneesh Gurbani, Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Siraj and Ankit Rajpoot
