India A will be led by wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jural in their upcoming two multi-day matches against Sri Lanka A, with a squad that will feature a host of new faces and impressive domestic performers. Head of Selection Committee Ajit Agarkarannounced the squad on Saturday. Devdutt Padikal has been named vice-captain for the Red Ball tour, which will run from June 25 to July 5 in Galle. One of the main talking points is the first India A call-up for Jammu and Kashmir fast bowling all-rounder Aqib Nabi, who has been rewarded after a successful domestic season. India A will also feature batsmen like Sai Sudharsan, Rituraj Gaikwadand N Jagadeesan, while Aman Mokhde and Sheikh Rashid also got their first selection for India A. Peace Attack also stars Aqib Nabi. Yash ThakurAnshul Kamboj, and Gurnor Brar, who have recently been in and around the senior national setup. Nabi’s selection comes after a brilliant Ranji Trophy season where he took 60 wickets and played a vital role in Jammu and Kashmir’s historic title win. Zeeshan Ansari and Sarnish Jain will handle the spin duties along with all-rounder Ayush Baduni. Notably, Zeeshan and Nabi have recently joined the senior Indian team as net bowlers, as part of preparations for the ongoing Red Ball assignments. Several players, including Rutoraj Gaekwad, Ayush Baduni, Yash Thakur, and Anshul Kamboj, are already in Sri Lanka as part of India A’s ongoing limited-overs tri-series, which will now be followed by the Red Ball fixtures. The tour is seen as a stepping stone for India’s budding red-ball talent, especially with challenging conditions for spin in Galle.India A squad for multi-day games in Sri Lanka: Dhruv Jural (Captain), Sai Sudharsan, Ayush Baduni, Dev Dutt Padikal (Vice-Captain), Rituraj Gaikwad, Saranish Jain, Gurnoor Brar, Aqib Nabi, Yash Thakur, Anshul Kamboj, N Jagadeesan, Aman Mokhde, Sheikh Rashid, and Zeeshan Ansh.
