Sitanshu Kotak, the National Cricket Academy (NCA) coach, is set to lead India A as their coach for their upcoming tour of Australia. The tour will feature two First Class fixtures and a “match simulation.”
The India A squad, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, will assemble in Mumbai today and depart for Australia from there. The team boasts a strong lineup of consistent domestic performers and players on the selectors’ radar.
Abhimanyu Easwaran, the vice-captain, has been in impressive form in the domestic circuit and is a strong contender for the reserve opener slot. He will face competition from Sai Sudharsan, who recently scored a double century against Delhi in the Ranji Trophy, and the elegant Gaikwad.
The middle-order features Devdutt Padikkal and the consistent Baba Indrajith. Ishan Kishan is also back in the mix after his recent outings in the domestic circuit.
The pace battery includes Khaleel Ahmed and Yash Dayal, indicating the selectors’ desire for a left-armer seamer in the mix. The three fixtures will provide an opportunity for the selectors to assess the players’ performances ahead of the five Tests against Australia.
