Reports: Veterans willing to play for India ‘A’ for red-ball practice versus South Africa

In a report that was recently published, it was informed that a group of Indian senior players could travel with the India-A side to get some red-ball practice ahead of the side’s upcoming Test assignments.

The veterans will be travelling to South Africa with India A to play one of the three planned four-day contests ahead of the two-match Test series between the two nations. The Men in Blue will be playing three ODIs and three T20Is against South Africa from December 10 to 21. At the same time, India A will travel to South Africa for a shadow tour. 

The senior players that could be involved with India A are reported to be the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ajinkya Rahane, and Jaydev Unadkat, as they will look to get warmed up before they join up with the main squad to play the Proteas.

Furthermore, players like Abhimanyu Easwaran, B Sai Sudharsan, Yash Dhull, KS Bharat, Upendra Yadav, and Saurabh Kumar could feature for India A against South Africa as they look to prepare for the upcoming season of the Ranji Trophy.

"Yes, there are three four-day tests between India 'A' and South Africa 'A' next month. The team for that will be announced in some days. Most of the consistent young performers along with those (seniors) who need some game time before the two Test matches in Centurion (December 26 to 30) and Cape Town (January 3-7) will be there," a BCCI source was quoted as saying by Sportskeeda. 

Team India looks to recoup from World Cup loss

Team India will be looking to put in improved performances after their recent heartbreak in the final of the recently concluded ODI World Cup 2023, where they were bested by Pat Cummins-led Australia.

However, the side were quick to comeback, defeating the Men in Yellow in the first T20I of the ongoing five-game series, winning the game by two wickets. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side got off to a good start, and they will be keen on maintaining that momentum.