BCCI announces India A squads for New Zealand tour

India A will kickstart their 2020 campaign by playing two Tests and three One-day matches away from home against New Zealand. The Shubman Gill-led side is scheduled to play the first unofficial ODI at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval on January 22. Many eminent names are a part of the India A squad.

For the two tour matches and three One-day matches, Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal are expected to steer India A off to a good start. Suryakumar Yadav, who has been in sublime form lately, has also been included in the squad. Jharkhand’s Ishan Kishan has also been included as the wicket-keeper. All eyes will be on Hardik Pandya, who is making his comeback into the international level after being sidelined due to his back surgery.

India A’s fast bowling will be helmed by the duo of Mohd Siraj and Khaleel Ahmed. 21-year-old pacer Ishan Porel has also been included in the squad. Skipper Shubman Gill will also be hoping to lead his side from the front. The youngster is touted to emerge as a vital cog for the national side.

Hanuma Vihari will lead the side in two four-day games

Hanuma Vihari will be leading India A in the two four-day games against the hosts. KS Bharat, who is also in the race for Test spot as a wicketkeeper, will be keeping the wickets. Youngster Shivam Dube, who showcased impressive performances in the West Indies series, has also been included as an all-rounder in the squad.

Rahul Chahar and Shahbaz Nadeem will be steering India A’s spin bowling force while the trio of Sandeep Warrier, Avesh Khan and Mohd Siraj will lead the pace attack. For the second four-day game, prominent international names including Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane and Wriddhiman Saha will be a part of India A squad. The opening pair of Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal will be at the wheel in both the matches.

After the first unofficial ODI, the two sides will lock horns in two more unofficial ODIs on January 24 and 26. The first unofficial Test will kick off on January 30, followed by the second on February 07.

India A squad for 2 tour matches and 3 one-day games: Prithvi Shaw, Mayank Agarwal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill (Capt), Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Axar Patel, Rahul Chahar, Sandeep Warrier, Ishan Porel, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohd. Siraj

India A squad for 1st four-day game: Prithvi Shaw, Mayank Agarwal, Priyank Panchal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Hanuma Vihari (Capt), KS Bharat (wk), Shivam Dube, Shahbaz Nadeem, Rahul Chahar, Sandeep Warrier, Avesh Khan, Mohd. Siraj, Ishan Porel, Ishan Kishan

India A squad for 2nd four-day game: Prithvi Shaw, Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Hanuma Vihari (Capt), KS Bharat (wicket-keeper), Shivam Dube, R Ashwin, Shahbaz Nadeem, Sandeep Warrier, Avesh Khan, Mohd. Siraj, Ishan Porel

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