Abhimanyu Easwaran is set to lead India A in their upcoming tour of England, engaging in two first-class matches against England A. Supporting him as vice-captain is wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel. The squad of 18 boasts notable names like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shardul Thakur, and Karun Nair among its ranks.
Expected to bolster the team, Shubman Gill and B Sai Sudharsan will join the squad before the second match. Apart from Jurel, Ishan Kishan also features as a wicketkeeping option, both having gained experience from previous matches against Australia A.
The touring party is well equipped in the fast-bowling department, comprising Shardul Thakur, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, Harshit Rana, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed, Tushar Deshpande, and the allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy. Spin duties will be handled by left-arm spinners Manav Suthar and Harsh Dubey, alongside off-spinner Tanush Kotian.
Karun Nair, 33, marks a significant point of interest. He last donned the Test whites for India in 2017 but has been in commanding form ever since. As a prominent figure in domestic cricket, Nair amassed 863 runs in the Ranji Trophy and shone for Northamptonshire in county cricket. “It’s an exciting opportunity,” Nair said about the tour, which could potentially reignite his international career.
The first game against England A kicks off on 30th May in Canterbury, followed by a match in Northampton starting 6th June. Post this, India A will face the senior India team in a four-day fixture from 13th June.
India A Squad:
Abhimanyu Easwaran (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karun Nair, Dhruv Jurel (vice-captain & wicketkeeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shardul Thakur, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Manav Suthar, Tanush Kotian, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, Harshit Rana, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sarfaraz Khan, Tushar Deshpande, Harsh Dubey.
