Can Shubman Gill shine for India A?
India A will take on South Africa A in a five-match unofficial ODI series from Thursday onwards. Young versatile batsman Shubman Gill will be the cynosure of all eyes in this series. Gill had a superb campaign against West Indies A in July. However, he was snubbed by the selectors for the senior side. Gill will want to showcase his attributes.
Gill was excellent against West Indies A
Gill is a promising young player and perhaps it's the right time for him to be groomed alongside Rishabh Pant in this Indian team. Recently, the versatile batsman had amassed 218 runs for India A against West Indies A. He smashed three fifties and helped India win the unofficial series 4-1. Despite a promising show, Gill was overlooked by the selectors for the ODIs.
Gill was gutted for not being selected for Windies series
"I was waiting for the Indian senior team to be announced on Sunday and I expected to be selected for at least one of the squads. It was disappointing not to get picked," said Gill to CricketNext after being snubbed for the series against Windies.
Shankar also returns to the thick of things
Apart from Gill, several other players are in focus for the series. Vjay Shankar will be clsely monitored. He was ruled out midway of the ICC World Cup 2019 for a toe injury. He recently returned to action during the Tamil Nadu Premier League. With a long home season ahead, the 28-year-old will be eager to stake a claim for a place.
Several other top guns in fray for India A
Manish Pandey, who was recently seen in the T20I side against Windies, will captain the India A team. Shreyas Iyer, who performed well in the ODIs versus WI, will return for the last two matches. The likes of Khaleel Ahmed and Deepak Chahar will want to continue their red-hot form with the ball and eye the T20Is against SA next month.
A promising affair is one the cards
South Africa A also have a strong squad on offer and things will be interesting in the five-match series. Temba Bavuma will lead the side and quality cricket is expected. The likes of Junior Dala, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen and Anrich Nortje add crucial experience for the Proteas side. Although, India A will go into the series as favorites on home soil.
Here's the India A squad to face South Africa A
A look at the India A squad: Manish Pandey (captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Anmolpreet Singh, Ricky Bhui, Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Vijay Shankar, Shivam Dube, Krunal Pandya, Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Khaleel Ahmed, Nitish Rana.
