India A Team Announced: Gaikwad, Patidar Omitted Despite Stellar Domestic Performances; Iyer to Captain

NEW DELHI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday announced a 15-member India A squad for the upcoming two multi-day matches against Australia A in Lucknow, beginning September 16. Shreyas Iyer, who was left out of India’s Asia Cup squad, has been named captain.While the squad features several familiar names, the absence of in-form batters Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rajat Patidar has raised eyebrows. Both players are currently showcasing excellent form in the ongoing Duleep Trophy.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Gaikwad, 28, produced a commanding 184 off 206 balls for West Zone in the semi-final against Central Zone, laced with 25 fours and a six at a brisk strike rate of 89.32. His knock was pivotal in helping West Zone post 438 in their first innings. In contrast, Iyer, who will lead India A, managed only 25 runs in the same match.Patidar, 32, captaining Central Zone in the same semi-final, countered with a fluent 77 off 84 balls, striking 14 boundaries at a strike rate of 91.67. The right-hander had already underlined his consistency with scores of 125 and 66 in the quarter-final against North East Zone. His efforts have played a crucial role in putting Central Zone ahead in the contest.Despite this purple patch, both batters have been overlooked for the upcoming Australia A series. The selectors instead opted for a mix of experienced names and younger prospects.The first match in Lucknow will start from September and the second on September 23. KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj are scheduled to join the squad for the second game, replacing two players from the initial 15.For Gaikwad and Patidar, the omission is a setback, but their recent form ensures they remain firmly in the selectors’ spotlight.