October 30, 2024 | Luckshots Sports Desk
India A is gearing up for a crucial four-day encounter against Australia A, starting Thursday. The performances of Abhimanyu Easwaran, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Prasidh Krishna will be under intense scrutiny, with selectors keen to assess their readiness for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which begins on November 22.
Easwaran: A Potential Backup for Rohit Sharma
Easwaran, the vice-captain of India A, has been in stellar form in domestic cricket. The 29-year-old opener is seen as a possible backup for Rohit Sharma, should the Indian captain miss any games for personal reasons during the Test series against Australia.
Easwaran’s recent form is impressive:
- 157 and 116 for India B in the Duleep Trophy
- 191 against Mumbai in the Irani Trophy
- 127 not out in his final red-ball game for Bengal against Uttar Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy
With nearly 7,638 runs and 27 centuries in First-Class cricket, Easwaran’s consistency makes him a strong contender. However, the conditions in Australia will present a fresh challenge, demanding him to adapt quickly.
Nitish Reddy: A Test for the All-Rounder
While Nitish Reddy’s First-Class numbers may not stand out, the selectors have invested in him as a pace-bowling all-rounder. His batting ability is considered stronger than his bowling at this stage, and he now has an opportunity to make a case for himself. Nitish will aim to improve on his Duleep Trophy performance, where he managed only two wickets and a high score of 40 across five matches.
The selectors’ decision to back Nitish over more seasoned players, like Shardul Thakur, suggests their faith in the young Andhra player’s potential. This game against Australia A will be a critical test of his readiness for higher-level competition.
Prasidh Krishna: Searching for Rhythm
Prasidh Krishna, a late addition to the India A squad, has been brought in as a potential pace option for the Border-Gavaskar series. Since returning from injury, Prasidh has struggled to find form, with only seven wickets in his last seven innings across the Duleep Trophy, Irani Cup, and Ranji Trophy.
Known for his height and ability to extract bounce, Prasidh will need to use this match to regain confidence and rhythm. If he performs well, he could become a key backup option behind Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
Other Players to Watch
Several other India A players will also be eager to leave a mark, including:
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain)
- B Sai Sudharsan
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Navdeep Saini
- Ishan Kishan (wk)
With these players on the fringes of senior selection, a strong performance could open doors for opportunities in the main squad.
Australia A Squad Overview
Australia A, led by Nathan McSweeney, will feature experienced names such as Cameron Bancroft, Scott Boland, Michael Neser, and Marcus Harris. The contest promises to be a tough test for the Indian side, offering a glimpse of the challenges that await in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Stay tuned with Luckshots for more updates and insights on India A’s performance and their preparations for the marquee Test series against Australia!