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Jaiswal, Rahul named in India A squad for New Zealand Tests
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has selected 15 players for India A's three-match unofficial Test series against New Zealand A, including senior national team vice-captain KL Rahul and opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal. However, scheduling conflicts with the ODI series raise questions about their availability across all matches.
LSN India ·
Senior India Test vice-captain KL Rahul and opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal headline a 15-member India A squad announced for three unofficial Test matches against New Zealand A beginning October 24. The squad also includes middle-order batter Devdutt Padikkal and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, whose participation remains subject to fitness clearance.
The three-match series will be played across New Zealand, with the first Test scheduled for October 24-28 in Lincoln, followed by matches in Christchurch (October 31-November 3) and a return to Lincoln (November 7-10). The BCCI has named 11 established Test players in the squad alongside four additional members.
A scheduling clash presents a logistical challenge for several squad members. All-rounder Washington Sundar, pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah's understudy, and other players are also part of India's ODI setup for the concurrent New Zealand series. The ODI matches are slated for November 4, 7 and 10, making it practically impossible for Rahul, Jaiswal, and Sundar to participate in all three A-team Tests.
The BCCI's press release did not specify which matches the dual-format players would contest, leaving uncertainty about squad management during the overlapping international commitments. The India A series serves as crucial preparation for players competing for spots in the senior Test team.