Ruturaj Gaikwad to Lead India A in Two First-Class Matches Against Australia A
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India A is set to take on Australia A in two first-class matches, followed by a three-day intra-squad practice game against the senior India men’s team in Perth. Ruturaj Gaikwad has been named captain of the India A side, with Abhimanyu Easwaran serving as vice-captain for the tour. The first match will take place at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay from October 31 to November 3, followed by the second game at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground from November 7 to November 10.
Both Gaikwad and Easwaran are in fine form heading into the series. Gaikwad recently led India C in the Duleep Trophy, finishing as the second-placed team on the points table, and has been consistent in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, amassing 231 runs in two games, including a commanding 145 against Mumbai. Easwaran, who captained third-placed India B in the Duleep Trophy, also made a mark with two centuries in the tournament.
With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series on the horizon, Gaikwad, Easwaran, and Sai Sudharsan emerge as potential backup openers for the senior team. The Australia A games will serve as a critical opportunity for these players to make their case for future Test call-ups.
Andhra’s Ricky Bhui, the top run-scorer from the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy and the 2024 Duleep Trophy, has earned his place in the squad. Tamil Nadu’s Baba Indrajith, who scored an impressive 767 runs in the previous Ranji campaign, and Karnataka's Devdutt Padikkal are also set to bolster the middle order.
The squad also includes two wicket-keepers, Ishan Kishan and Abishek Porel. Kishan has already made his mark in international cricket, while Porel is a promising young talent.
India A's pace attack will be spearheaded by Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, Yash Dayal, and Navdeep Saini. Additionally, all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who recently made his India debut, has been included. Mumbai’s Tanush Kotian, who stood out in the Duleep Trophy, is another promising addition to the team.
The Australia A series will be followed by a three-day intra-squad match from November 15 to November 17 at the WACA in Perth. This practice game will allow India A players to test themselves against the senior Indian side ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Schedule:
- 1st First-Class Match: October 31 to November 3, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay
- 2nd First-Class Match: November 7 to November 10, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
- Intra-Squad Practice Match: November 15 to November 17, WACA, Perth