Shreyas Iyer Leads India A Against Australia A: A Big Chance for Test Team Spots
Cricket fans are buzzing about the Men’s T20 Asia Cup in the UAE, but don’t miss the action in Lucknow. Starting Tuesday, Shreyas Iyer captains a strong 15-member India A squad in the first of two multi-day matches against Australia A. This India A vs Australia A series isn’t just another game—it’s a key platform for players to impress selectors ahead of India’s Test series against West Indies in October.
Former India A batter Priyank Panchal can’t stress enough how vital this series is. With several spots open in the Indian Test team, young talents and experienced players alike have a shot at making their mark. "Playing against top international players from Australia A fires you up," Panchal told . "They come prepared, bowl tough lines, and test your skills. A strong performance here boosts your confidence and puts you in the selectors’ eyes for the real Test action."
For Shreyas Iyer, this is a comeback moment. He hasn’t played a Test since February 2024 against England in Visakhapatnam. Leading India A gives him a chance to shine with the red ball and remind everyone why he deserves a spot in the upcoming two-Test series against West Indies, starting October 2 in Ahmedabad. Panchal added, "Shreyas has climbed the ranks with solid IPL and domestic shows. He should be in the main India squad, but this series will help him get back in rhythm."
The India A squad mixes veterans and rising stars, making it an exciting lineup for cricket enthusiasts. KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj join for the second match on September 23, adding firepower. Seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy returns after a knee injury from the England Test tour, alongside Prasidh Krishna, B Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, and N Jagadeesan—who stepped in as Rishabh Pant’s backup for the final England Test.
Panchal is pumped about the young guns like Sai Sudharsan, Ayush Badoni, and Devdutt Padikkal. "These players could represent India soon. Sai Sudharsan gained huge confidence from his England Test stint, and I can’t wait to see him, Badoni, and Padikkal step up on Lucknow’s red-soil pitches." As captain, Iyer brings experience, but Panchal hopes he piles on the runs too.
The bowling attack looks balanced and promising. Seamers Khaleel Ahmed, Yash Thakur, and Gurnoor Brar lead the pace, while spinners Manav Suthar, Harsh Dubey, and Tanush Kotian add variety. Khaleel Ahmed’s inclusion stands out—India has long hunted for a reliable left-arm pacer in Tests. "We need left-arm speed options," Panchal said. "Khaleel and Yash have shone in Ranji Trophy, so rewarding domestic performers like them is smart. This series tests everyone, including potential Test bowlers like Arshdeep Singh, who’s white-ball ready but not yet in reds."
Panchal warns that Australia A won’t be easy—they prepare hard and handle pace well. "Our fast bowlers must gear up, and on Indian wickets, our spinners could turn the game. I hope the pitches assist everyone for a thrilling India A vs Australia A clash."
This series could shape India’s Test future, so keep an eye on Lucknow for emerging stars and Iyer’s leadership.
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