The Tri Nation A series featuring India, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan is set to begin on Tuesday, June 9, in Dambulla. The opening match will see India A facing off against Sri Lanka A.
India A will be captained by Tilak Varma, with Ruturaj Gaikwad as his vice-captain. Gaikwad was included in the squad following Riyan Parag’s hamstring injury. The team has several all-rounders, offering a variety of combinations for selection.
India A’s squad for the Tri Nation series in Sri Lanka: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Priyansh Arya, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma (c), Nishant Sindhu, Anukul Roy, Ayush Badoni, Yash Thakur, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Arshad Khan, Vipraj Nigam, Kumar Kushagra, Suryansh Shedge, Anshul Kamboj.
With that in mind, here is the likely strongest playing XI for India A in the Tri Nation A series in Sri Lanka.
Openers: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Prabhsimran Singh (wk)
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Prabhsimran Singh are the preferred choices to open the batting for India A in Sri Lanka, leaving Priyansh Arya to wait for his opportunity. Sooryavanshi will be keenly watched, while Prabhsimran will handle wicketkeeping duties.
Middle Order: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma (c), Ayush Badoni, Nishant Sindhu, Suryansh Shedge
The middle order is expected to comprise Ruturaj Gaikwad and Tilak Varma in the top four, with Ayush Badoni coming in at number 5. Following them, Nishant Sindhu and Suryansh Shedge are strong candidates for the lower-middle order, providing a left-arm spin option and finishing skills. Shedge might also contribute as the fourth pacer.
Consequently, Anukul Roy and Kumar Kushagra may need to bide their time for an opportunity.
Lower Order: Vipraj Nigam, Arshad Khan, Yash Thakur, Anshul Kamboj
In the lower order, Vipraj Nigam is likely to play as the wrist-spinner. The pace attack is expected to feature Anshul Kamboj, Yash Thakur, and Arshad Khan, given Yudhvir Singh Charak’s less impressive List A record. Thakur, known for his excellent performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, will be a key player to watch.
Edited by Sai Krishna
