Ruturaj Gaikwad to Lead India A against Australia A and Senior India Team Intra Squad Clash in November 2024

The Indian cricket board has announced the 15-member squad for the upcoming India A tour of Australia, slated for the end of October to mid-November 2024. Led by Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain, and with Abhimanyu Easwaran as vice-captain, the squad showcases a mix of emerging talents and some familiar faces who have consistently performed in the domestic circuit.

The tour features two first-class matches against Australia A, to be held in Mackay and Melbourne, followed by a three-day intra-squad match in Perth against the senior Indian team as they prepare for the upcoming Test series. This tour is considered crucial, offering fringe players an opportunity to press their case for higher honors, especially with the senior Indian team gearing up for a demanding Australian summer.

India A Squad for Tour of Australia 2024:

The Men’s Selection Committee has announced a well-balanced 15-member squad for the India A team's upcoming tour of Australia. The squad features a blend of youth and experience, with players aiming to make a strong impression on the selectors for future national team call-ups.

Squad List:

• Ruturaj Gaikwad (Captain)
• Abhimanyu Easwaran (Vice-Captain)
• Sai Sudharsan
• Nitish Kumar Reddy
• Devdutt Padikkal
• Ricky Bhui
• Baba Indrajith
• Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper)
• Abishek Porel (Wicketkeeper)
• Mukesh Kumar
• Khaleel Ahmed
• Yash Dayal
• Navdeep Saini
• Manav Suthar
• Tanush Kotian

Key highlights of the squad include the selection of dynamic opener Sai Sudharsan, promising all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, and left-handed batter Devdutt Padikkal, who have all impressed in domestic and IPL cricket. Notably, Ishan Kishan returns as one of two wicket-keepers alongside the young Abishek Porel. The bowling attack will be spearheaded by Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, and Khaleel Ahmed, with Manav Suthar and Tanush Kotian providing spin options.

The squad has a solid core, with Ruturaj Gaikwad providing leadership, and rising stars like Sai Sudharsan and Nitish Kumar Reddy looking to seize the opportunity to impress in challenging Australian conditions. Fast bowlers Mukesh Kumar and Navdeep Saini will spearhead the pace attack, while Ishan Kishan will add his dynamic presence behind the stumps.

The tour is expected to be a rigorous test for these players, with conditions in Australia demanding strong technique and adaptability. The matches will serve as a platform not only to gain valuable match practice but also to challenge the depth and resilience of India’s next generation of cricketers against a strong Australia A squad featuring experienced players like Marcus Harris and young prodigy Sam Konstas​

The schedule kicks off on October 31 in Mackay and culminates with the intra-squad game from November 15 at the WACA in Perth​. This tour is a crucial step in India’s long-term planning, building a solid bench strength in red-ball cricket for future overseas assignments.

India A Tour of Australia 2024 - Schedule:

The India A team will play two four-day first-class matches against Australia A before finishing the tour with a three-day intra-squad match against the senior Indian men's team, which is also in Australia to prepare for upcoming Test matches.

Match Schedule:

1. 1st First-Class Match

   • Dates: October 31 - November 3, 2024
   • Venue: GBRA, Mackay
   • Time: 10:00 AM (Local Time)

2. 2nd First-Class Match

   • Dates: November 7 - November 10, 2024
   • Venue: MCG, Melbourne
   • Time: 10:30 AM (Local Time)

3. Intra-Squad Match (India A vs India Senior)

   • Dates: November 15 - November 17, 2024
   • Venue: WACA, Perth
   • Time: 10:20 AM (Local Time)

This tour offers a golden opportunity for these young cricketers to test their mettle in Australia’s fast and bouncy pitches, which will serve as valuable preparation for their future international careers​