Gaikwad In Middle Order; Will Ishan Kishan Play? India A's Strongest Playing XI For Australia Tour

Gaikwad will bat in the middle order [Source: ShuhidAufridi/X]

On Monday, the BCCI selection committee announced a formidable India-A squad for the team's upcoming tour of Australia. Led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, India-A will lock horns with Australia-A in two unofficial Test matches before Rohit Sharma's men take on the hosts in a five-match Test series. So, as fans eagerly wait for India-A's high-voltage clash with their Australian counterparts, let's analyse and find out their strongest playing XI for the tour. 

Easwaran, Sudharsan And Indrajith To Form India-A's Robust Top Order

Following their stellar performances in the recently held domestic red-ball matches, Abhimanyu Easwaran and B Sai Sudharsan will likely be preferred as India-A's openers in Australia. Both batters are in sublime form and could emerge as the visitors' go-to men at the top order. 

Baba Indrajith, Tamil Nadu's Mr consistent in the domestic circuit, will be slotted at number three. The stylish right-handed batter has a stunning First-Class record and might frustrate the Aussies with his stoic technique. 

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Gaikwad And Ishan To Spearhead India A's Middle Order With The All-Rounders

Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, who enjoyed astounding success at number four for Maharashtra, will bat in the middle order. Swashbuckling southpaw Ishan Kishan will likely be India-A's wicketkeeper in the series, getting a golden opportunity to change his fortunes in red-ball cricket. 

Meanwhile, the promising Tanush Kotian will likely be India-A's first-choice spin-bowling all-rounder. Besides bamboozling the batters with his guile, Kotian can be handy with the bat in the lower middle order. The off-spinner will be assisted by Manav Suthar, who can change the course of the match with his incredible all-round prowess. 

Mukesh Kumar To Lead India-A's Pace Battery

Regarding the fast bowling department, Mukesh Kumar will be India-A's leader of the pack, with Yash Dayal and Navdeep Saini assisting him with the ball. The trio has recently been impressive with the ball and could pose a serious threat to the Aussies on seam-friendly pitches. 

India-A's Strongest Playing XI For Australia Tour

Abhimanyu Easwaran, B Sai Sudharsan, Baba Indrajith, Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Devdutt Padikkal, Ishan Kishan (WK), Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Mukesh Kumar, Yash Dayal, Navdeep Saini

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