In one of the most compelling developments of the domestic season, Shreyas Iyer has been entrusted with the captaincy of the India A squad for two four-day “unofficial Test” matches against Australia A—set to unfold in Lucknow from September 16 to 19 and September 23 to 26 at the Ekana International Cricket Stadium.
A Comeback Story
This appointment is particularly significant, as Iyer was overlooked for inclusion in India’s Asia Cup squad, despite a prolific IPL season. Nevertheless, the BCCI has now entrusted him with a leadership role, signaling their faith in his potential to lead, inspire, and perform under pressure.
Team Dynamics and Strategic Depth
The 15-member India A squad blends youthful promise with seasoned experience. Players like Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Prasidh Krishna, and Nitish Kumar Reddy add considerable firepower to the batting and bowling arsenal. Dhruv Jurel, fresh from representing India in The Oval Test, has been named vice-captain, offering a dual option as wicketkeeper-batter.
The bowling lineup features promising pace talents like Khaleel Ahmed, Gurnoor Brar, Yash Thakur, and experienced campaigners Prasidh Krishna and Harsh Dubey, offering a balanced and dynamic attack.
Reinforcements for the Second Match
In a strategic move, KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj—both rested following England’s tour—will bolster the squad ahead of the second match, adding both experience and firepower.
Why This Series Matters
Though unofficial in status, these four-day fixtures hold immense value:
- Leadership Trial: For Shreyas Iyer, this is an opportunity to demonstrate captaincy acumen and stake a case for future leadership roles in India’s senior teams
- Depth Assessment: Performances from squad standouts like Sudharsan, Padikkal, and Jurel could influence upcoming selections, especially for India’s home Test series against the West Indies and South Africa
- Strategic Refreshment: Roster changes for the second match signal BCCI’s focus on strengthening depth and preparing bench strength for the upcoming domestic and international season.
A Glimpse of the Squad
| Role | Player Name |
|---|---|
| Captain | Shreyas Iyer |
| Vice-captain/WK | Dhruv Jurel |
| Wicketkeeper-batter | N Jagadeesan |
| Batters | Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Ayush Badoni |
| All-rounder | Nitish Kumar Reddy |
| Bowlers | Prasidh Krishna, Khaleel Ahmed, Gurnoor Brar, Yash Thakur, Harsh Dubey, Manav Suthar |
KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj will join from the second match onwards
Shreyas Iyer’s leadership role in the India A squad opens a new chapter in his career—one that comes on the heels of an Asia Cup omission. While unofficial, these “unofficial Tests” present a highly visible stage for Iyer to shine, both as a leader and performer. Coupled with noteworthy team composition and strategic reinforcement plans, this series holds promise not just for Iyer and his squad but for Indian cricket’s future strategic framework.
