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The match gives several India A players an opportunity to impress in red-ball cricket, with Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad and skipper Jurel featuring in the batting line-up. Fast bowlers Auqib Nabi Dar, Anshul Kamboj and Yash Thakur will lead the pace attack. <\/p>\n
Sri Lanka A, led by Sahan Arachchige, included experienced wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella in their playing XI. <\/p>\n
India A Playing XI: Sai Sudharsan, Ayush Pandey, Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dhruv Jurel (captain & wicketkeeper), Shaik Rasheed, Harsh Dubey, Saransh Jain, Anshul Kamboj, Yash Thakur, Auqib Nabi Dar. <\/p>\n
Sri Lanka A Playing XI: Pawantha Weerasinghe, Niroshan Dickwella (wicketkeeper), Nuwanidu Fernando, Ashen Bandara, Sahan Arachchige (captain), Ravindu Fernando, Anjala Bandara, Kavindu Pathiratne, Dulaj Samuditha, Chamika Gunasekara, Dilum Sudeera. <\/p>\n
Fast bowler Aquib Nabi will be among the players under the spotlight when India A take on Sri Lanka A in the first of two multi-day matches in Galle on Thursday. <\/p>\n
The Jammu & Kashmir pacer earned widespread praise after playing a key role in his state’s historic Ranji Trophy triumph, finishing the season with 60 wickets. However, his omission from the squad for the one-off Test against Afghanistan raised eyebrows among fans and former cricketers. <\/p>\n
Opportunity to strengthen Test credentials <\/p>\n
The Sri Lanka tour now offers Nabi another chance to push his case for higher honours. A strong showing in challenging overseas conditions could make it difficult for selectors to ignore him in future Test plans. <\/p>\n
With India scheduled to tour New Zealand later this year, Nabi’s ability to generate movement and extract assistance from seaming conditions could work in his favour. <\/p>\n
Gurnoor Brar looks to build on international debut <\/p>\n
Also in the India A squad is left-arm pacer Gurnoor Brar, who recently impressed on his ODI debut against Afghanistan. <\/p>\n
While the Sri Lankan pitches are expected to assist spinners more than fast bowlers, Brar will be keen to make an impact and remain in contention for a place in the senior setup. <\/p>\n
Crucial red-ball outing for Sai Sudharsan <\/p>\n
The series could prove equally important for batter Sai Sudharsan, who will be looking to spend time in the middle and regain momentum ahead of India’s upcoming Test assignments. <\/p>\n
Sudharsan remains in contention for a place in the Test XI and will be eager to strengthen his credentials with substantial scores. <\/p>\n
Devdutt Padikkal, who did not feature in the Afghanistan Test, is also part of the squad and continues to compete for a spot in the batting order. <\/p>\n
Jurel to lead experienced squad <\/p>\n
India wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel will captain the side in both matches. The squad also includes Ruturaj Gaikwad, Harsh Dubey, Saransh Jain and wicketkeeper N Jagadeesan. <\/p>\n
Pacer Anshul Kamboj, who endured a difficult Test debut in England last year, will be hoping for a strong performance to revive his red-ball prospects. <\/p>\n
India A squad <\/p>\n
Dhruv Jurel (captain & wicketkeeper), Sai Sudharsan, Ayush Pandey, Devdutt Padikkal (vice-captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Harsh Dubey, Saransh Jain, Gurnoor Brar, Aquib Nabi, Yash Thakur, Anshul Kamboj, N Jagadeesan (wicketkeeper), Aman Mokhade, Shaik Rasheed and Zeeshan Ansari. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n