The BCCI selection committee announced the India A squad for the upcoming three-match one-day series against South Africa A, scheduled to take place from November 13 to 19 in Rajkot. Notably, senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were not included in the squad, despite speculation that they might use these matches to regain rhythm ahead of the main South Africa tour. The selection committee named Mumbai Indians star Tilak Varma as the captain for the series, with Ruturaj Gaikwad appointed as his deputy.
The India A series is intended as a preparation platform for white-ball specialists ahead of India’s ODI series against South Africa (November 30 – December 6). Following their return to international cricket in the recent ODI series against Australia, where Rohit won the Player of the Series award, discussions about his and Kohli’s workload have intensified. Former players like Sunil Gavaskar suggested they should play in domestic tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy to maintain competitive rhythm, though India captain Shubman Gill clarified that there have been no formal discussions regarding their participation in India A or domestic fixtures so far.
The India A squad features a blend of proven young performers and next-gen prospects, including the World No. 1 ranked T20I batter Abhishek Sharma, along with Ishan Kishan and Riyan Parag. The pace attack includes Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, and Prasidh Krishna, who was moved to the India A white-ball setup after being replaced by Akash Deep in the main Test squad announced simultaneously. The Test squad also marks the return of Vice-Captain Rishabh Pant.
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