Ruturaj Gaikwad has earned a return to the India A setup after being drafted into the squad for the upcoming tri-series in Sri Lanka. The right-handed opener replaces Riyan Parag, who has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury and will undergo rehabilitation under the supervision of the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
Opportunity to rebuild momentum
This selection offers Gaikwad an immediate chance to rebuild momentum after a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign. Despite leading the Chennai Super Kings, the opener struggled to make his usual impact, scoring 337 runs at an average of 28.08 and a strike rate of 123.44. However, India A's selectors have shown faith in his ability by not only bringing him into the squad but also naming him vice-captain alongside captain Tilak Varma.
Updated India A squad
The updated India A squad for the tri-series includes: Tilak Varma (Captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad (vice-captain), Priyansh Arya, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ayush Badoni, Nishant Sindhu, Suryansh Shedge, Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Kumar Kushagra (WK), Vipraj Nigam, Yash Thakur, Yudhvir Singh, Anshul Kamboj, Arshad Khan, and Anukul Roy.
Tri-series details
The tri-series will feature India A, Sri Lanka A, and Afghanistan A. All white-ball matches will be played in Dambulla before the tour moves to Galle for two multi-day matches against Sri Lanka A. The squad for those red-ball fixtures will be announced separately.
Gaikwad's prospects
For Gaikwad, the tour represents more than just another India A assignment. After a difficult IPL season, it offers a valuable chance to rediscover form, lead from the front, and remind selectors why he remains one of India's most highly rated batting prospects. The tour could prove crucial as he looks to push his case for future national-team opportunities.
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