The BCCI Men’s Selection Committee has announced a 15-member India A squad for the upcoming multi-day red-ball series against New Zealand A. The tour will feature three unofficial Tests, with the first match scheduled to begin on October 24 in Lincoln.

The squad includes several players with senior Test experience, giving them a chance to prepare for upcoming international assignments. Dhruv Jurel has been named captain and will also keep wickets, while Rishabh Pant has been included as another wicketkeeping option, subject to fitness clearance.

Strong batting unit gives India A plenty of experience

India A have named a strong batting group featuring Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan. Their experience at the highest level will be valuable in New Zealand conditions, while domestic performers Ravichandran Smaran and Yash Rathod have also earned places in the squad.

Washington Sundar and Manav Suthar provide the all-round options, giving the team additional depth with both bat and ball. The presence of established Test players alongside promising domestic performers makes the squad a balanced combination for a multi-day series.

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Pace-heavy bowling attack set for New Zealand conditions

The bowling group includes Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar, Auqib Nabi, Anshul Kamboj and left-arm seamer Mukesh Choudhary. The selectors have opted for a pace-heavy attack, which could prove useful given the conditions expected in New Zealand.

The three matches will be played across Lincoln and Christchurch. The first multi-day game is scheduled for October 24-27 in Lincoln, followed by the second from October 31 to November 3 in Christchurch. The final match will take place in Lincoln from November 7-10.

India A squad: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Ravichandran Smaran, Rishabh Pant* (wk), Dhruv Jurel (c, wk), Washington Sundar, Auqib Nabi, Akash Deep, Anshul Kamboj, Manav Suthar, Mukesh Choudhary, Sai Sudharsan, Yash Rathod, Mukesh Kumar

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