Shreyas Iyer’s Comeback Command: India A Unleash Power Squad with Kishan for England Lions Face-Off

Image Source: Times Now

India A prepares to face a vital three-match unofficial Test series against the England Lions, from May 26 to June 19, just before the much-awaited five-Test series between India and England. The series is a major comeback for Shreyas Iyer, who is set to captain the India A team, marking his return to red-ball cricket captaincy. Ishan Kishan, another big name, will continue to be one of the team's wicketkeepers.

Key Highlights

Shreyas Iyer is likely to return as India A captain, returning his experience to the role after a break from the red-ball format.

Ishan Kishan and Dhruv Jurel are likely wicketkeepers, with Kishan's presence providing depth and flexibility behind the wickets.

The likely openers for the series are Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Ruturaj Gaikwad (subject to fitness), and Devdutt Padikkal, giving a mixture of youthfulness and experience in the top.

Middle order is also expected to contain Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan, and Karun Nair, who got a likely chance due to his domestic performance.

All-rounder options are Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, and Tanush Kotian, with Nitish likely to be a part of the playing XI.

India's pace attack, without Jasprit Bumrah, will be taking part, providing Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna valuable first-class match experience before the main Test series.

Axar Patel is also in contention, bolstering the spin unit.

The players heading to India will avoid the third unofficial Test since it finishes a day prior to the opening of the main Test series.

Full Probable Squad

Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Devdutt Padikkal, Sarfaraz Khan, Karun Nair, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Tanush Kotian, Dhruv Jurel, Ishan Kishan, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Axar Patel

Context and Implications

This series acts as a crucial warm-up stage for fringe players in the main Test squad, particularly with the change of leadership in India after Rohit Sharma's retirement and Shubman Gill becoming the probable new Test captain. The inclusion of Iyer and Kishan reflects the selectors' desire to give chances to players looking for a red-ball revival or regular game time before the high-profile England series.

With a few Test squad prospects featuring, the unofficial Tests will be keenly monitored by selectors and supporters alike, since performances here may impact ultimate choices for the full Test series.

Sources: Times Now, Times of India