In the two-match red-ball series between India A and Sri Lanka that starts in Galle on Thursday, pacer Aquib Nabi will have a point to prove when he enters the field among some of the Test regulars.
Following his outstanding 60-wicket performance in Jammu and Kashmir’s historic Ranji Trophy victory, both his admirers and analysts questioned Nabi’s eligibility for the one-off Test match against Afghanistan.
It would be more difficult for the selectors to keep the right-arm bowler off the national team if he performed well on Sri Lanka’s soft pitches. India’s next major Test visit is to New Zealand, where his bowling style may be useful on seam-friendly pitches, following Sri Lanka.
The team also includes Gurnoor Brar, who had a great ODI and India debut against Afghanistan. Spinners are predicted to win the two Test series in Sri Lanka, but if Brar performs well in the A, he might be able to keep his spot in the senior team.
The team will be captained by Test regular Dhruv Jurel in both of the games that will take place in Galle. Sai Sudharsan will have a strong chance to score runs during the series, which would give him more confidence before the two Test matches in August.
Anshul Kamboj, who had a terrible Test debut in England last year, is another important member of the pace department; Ruturaj Gaikwad and Harsh Dubey, who recently made his ODI debut, are also members of the touring party. Devdutt Padikkal, who was unable to play in the Afghanistan match, is vying for the number three spot with Sudharsan.
India A squad for multi-day matches in Sri Lanka:
Dhruv Jurel (Captain & Wickekeeper), Sai Sudharsan, Ayush Pandey, Devdutt Padikkal (Vice-Captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Harsh Dubey, Saransh Jain, Gurnoor Brar, Auqib Nabi, Yash Thakur, Anshul Kamboj, N Jagadeesan (Wicketkeeper), Aman Mokhade, Shaik Rasheed, Zeeshan Ansari
