In an exciting development for Indian cricket, Ruturaj Gaikwad has been appointed as the captain of the India A team for their upcoming tour in Australia. Gaikwad, a promising talent in the Indian cricket scene, will lead his squad in two significant first-class matches against their Australian counterparts, Australia A. These matches are scheduled to take place at two iconic cricket venues: the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay and the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. Following these contests, the team will engage in an intra-squad practice match against the senior India men’s team at the renowned WACA in Perth from November 15 to November 17.
Appointed as the vice-captain for the series is Abhimanyu Easwaran, another remarkable player whose presence adds strength to the team. Gaikwad’s leadership skills were prominently displayed when he captained India C in the recent Duleep Trophy, steering his team to secure second place in the four-team points table.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s batting prowess has been evident in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, where he has accumulated 231 runs in just two games. His runs include an impressive 145 scored against the formidable Mumbai team. Not to be outdone, Abhimanyu Easwaran, who captained India B to third place in the Duleep Trophy, has also showcased his batting finesse by scoring a couple of hundreds in the tournament. Both Gaikwad and Easwaran have emerged as potential backup openers for India in the prestigious five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy, should the need arise.
Joining the captain and vice-captain, the squad includes other talented players such as Andhra’s Ricky Bhui. Bhui stands out as the top-run scorer from the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy season and has likewise excelled in the 2024 Duleep Trophy, earning himself a spot in the Australia-bound squad. Complementing him is Tamil Nadu’s batter, Baba Indrajith, who has consistently proved his skill by scoring 767 runs in the previous campaign.
. Devdutt Padikkal is another exciting prospect, offering depth to the middle-order.
Behind the wickets, the team boasts two capable wicket-keepers: Ishan Kishan and Abishek Porel, who are expected to provide both stability and flair.
The pace department is well-represented with the inclusion of Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, Yash Dayal, and Navdeep Saini, each known for their ability to swing the match in their favor. Adding a fresh dynamic to the pace attack is Nitish Kumar Reddy, who recently made his international debut for India in Gwalior, illustrating his rapid rise through the ranks. The spin department is not to be ignored, and Mumbai’s Tanush Kotian gets recognition for his impressive performances in the Duleep Trophy, securing his position in the squad.
This series presents a valuable opportunity for the players as they make their way to Australia to prove their mettle. The tour will commence with the first match at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay from October 31 to November 3. This will be followed by another first-class match at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground from November 7 to November 10. After these matches, the intra-squad practice match will see the players face off against their senior counterparts, offering an enriching experience against the backdrop of the WACA’s bouncy pitch.
This tour marks an important journey for India A, providing a platform for potential future stars of Indian cricket to showcase their talents on international soil. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s leadership will be a significant asset to the team, and his on-field decisions are anticipated with keen interest, as he draws from his recent experiences to guide the team.
All eyes will be on these young stalwarts, eager to secure their positions and make a significant impact. As India A prepares to set off on this challenging tour, expectations run high for an enthralling series that has the potential to uncover India’s next cricketing sensations.