Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli left out of India A ODIs

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the India A squad for the upcoming three-match unofficial one-day series against South Africa A, scheduled to take place from November 13 to 19 at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. The matches will serve as a crucial warm-up for the senior men’s ODI series against South Africa, which kicks off later this month from November 30 to December 6.

Tilak Varma to Lead India A

Tilak Varma has been named captain of the India A squad, with Ruturaj Gaikwad as his deputy. The squad features a strong mix of young talent and white-ball specialists, aimed at giving the next generation of Indian cricketers exposure against quality international opposition.

India A’s squad for one-day series against South Africa A:

Tilak Varma (C), Ruturaj Gaikwad (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Riyan Parag, Ishan Kishan (WK), Ayush Badoni, Nishant Sindhu, Vipraj Nigam, Manav Suthar, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Khaleel Ahmed, Prabhsimran Singh (WK)

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Omitted

Speculation had been rife that senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli might feature in the India A series to gain extra match practice. However, the BCCI’s senior selection committee has chosen not to include them, keeping the focus on grooming young talent for future international fixtures.

It remains unclear whether the selectors discussed the matter directly with Rohit and Kohli before finalizing the squad. Both players are expected to play directly in the senior ODI series against South Africa, making their participation in the India A matches unnecessary.

India A Squad Overview

The series provides an ideal platform for India’s emerging stars to gain experience and impress the selectors ahead of the senior team fixtures. Fans can expect thrilling encounters as the young guns look to showcase their talent against a strong South Africa A side.