2 months ago
Bengaluru: India's Saransh Jain, Manav Suthar, Auqib Nabi and Sarfaraz Khan, who are all in Sri Lanka for the ongoing Test series, are proof that selectors don't deny consistent domestic performers. India's domestic cricketers can draw inspiration from such journeys as they head into the Duleep Trophy, the curtain-raiser for the domestic season, at the BCCI Centre of Excellence from Sunday onwards.
The spotlight will be on 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The Bihar boy has already made his T20 debut after a stunning IPL 2026 season. There have been questions about whether the big-hitting batter has the patience and composure to play in the longer format. His 207 runs in eight first-class matches do not justify his skill set. At this juncture, the upcoming domestic seasons in red-ball cricket ******* ume greater significance.
#Bengaluru #auqib
The spotlight will be on 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The Bihar boy has already made his T20 debut after a stunning IPL 2026 season. There have been questions about whether the big-hitting batter has the patience and composure to play in the longer format. His 207 runs in eight first-class matches do not justify his skill set. At this juncture, the upcoming domestic seasons in red-ball cricket ******* ume greater significance.
#Bengaluru #auqib
2 months ago
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a 15-member squad for India's two-match Test series against the hosts on their tour of Sri Lanka in August.
With Jasprit ******* rah ruled out and Auqib Nabi set to earn his maiden senior national team call-up, and the Test squad captained by captain Shubman Gill, India return to action on August 15 as they take on Sri Lanka in the first Test of the series at Galle.
The squad includes experienced players like Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj, and the pacer from Jammu and Kashmir, Nabi, has been selected on the basis of his impressive domestic performances.
Although ******* rah was initially in the squad, he is not available because he continues to recover from his left knee injury sustained in the ODI series against England. Participation of Sai Sudharsan is subject to clearance from the medical team of BCCI.
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#squad #test
With Jasprit ******* rah ruled out and Auqib Nabi set to earn his maiden senior national team call-up, and the Test squad captained by captain Shubman Gill, India return to action on August 15 as they take on Sri Lanka in the first Test of the series at Galle.
The squad includes experienced players like Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj, and the pacer from Jammu and Kashmir, Nabi, has been selected on the basis of his impressive domestic performances.
Although ******* rah was initially in the squad, he is not available because he continues to recover from his left knee injury sustained in the ODI series against England. Participation of Sai Sudharsan is subject to clearance from the medical team of BCCI.
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#squad #test
2 months ago
Auqib Nabi's impressive rise in domestic cricket has finally earned him a place in India's Test setup, with the Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler drafted into the squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka following Jasprit **** rah's injury.
The call-up comes after a remarkable run in domestic cricket, where Nabi established himself as one of the country's leading pace bowlers. His performances during Jammu and Kashmir's historic Ranji Trophy-winning campaign had already triggered widespread debate over his omission from the original squad.
Former India opener Wasim Jaffer believes those discussions were justified, insisting Nabi had already done enough to merit selection before being named as **** rah's replacement.
"It's a big thing and a very happy moment. And you are absolutely right that after performing so well, he (Auqib Nabi) probably shouldn't have come in as a replacement in the first place. But better late than never. I'm very happy for him because he deserves to be in the initial squad," Jaffer said on his YouTube channel.
Nabi has enjoyed two exceptional Ranji Trophy seasons, claiming 104 wickets, including 60 during the 2025-26 campaign, as Jammu and Kashmir secured their maiden Ranji Trophy **** le. Alongside his pace bowling, he has also contributed valuable runs lower down the order.
The right-arm seamer further strengthened his case during the recent India A tour of Sri Lanka, where he picked up six wickets in two first-class matches.
Jaffer also hailed Nabi's achievement of becoming the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to earn a place in India's Test team based on his performances, expressing hope that the youngster would seize the opportunity if selected in the playing XI.
"When a player performs this well, he should be a first-choice selection. But anyway, congratulations to him for becoming the first player to make it through in the Test team from J&K and on the basis of his performance. I hope that if he gets an opportunity, he proves why he has performed so well," he added.
Nabi's inclusion caps a memorable journey built on sustained domestic excellence, with the pacer now set to compete for his maiden Test cap in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka.
#test #nabi #kashmir
The call-up comes after a remarkable run in domestic cricket, where Nabi established himself as one of the country's leading pace bowlers. His performances during Jammu and Kashmir's historic Ranji Trophy-winning campaign had already triggered widespread debate over his omission from the original squad.
Former India opener Wasim Jaffer believes those discussions were justified, insisting Nabi had already done enough to merit selection before being named as **** rah's replacement.
"It's a big thing and a very happy moment. And you are absolutely right that after performing so well, he (Auqib Nabi) probably shouldn't have come in as a replacement in the first place. But better late than never. I'm very happy for him because he deserves to be in the initial squad," Jaffer said on his YouTube channel.
Nabi has enjoyed two exceptional Ranji Trophy seasons, claiming 104 wickets, including 60 during the 2025-26 campaign, as Jammu and Kashmir secured their maiden Ranji Trophy **** le. Alongside his pace bowling, he has also contributed valuable runs lower down the order.
The right-arm seamer further strengthened his case during the recent India A tour of Sri Lanka, where he picked up six wickets in two first-class matches.
Jaffer also hailed Nabi's achievement of becoming the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to earn a place in India's Test team based on his performances, expressing hope that the youngster would seize the opportunity if selected in the playing XI.
"When a player performs this well, he should be a first-choice selection. But anyway, congratulations to him for becoming the first player to make it through in the Test team from J&K and on the basis of his performance. I hope that if he gets an opportunity, he proves why he has performed so well," he added.
Nabi's inclusion caps a memorable journey built on sustained domestic excellence, with the pacer now set to compete for his maiden Test cap in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka.
#test #nabi #kashmir
2 months ago
NEW DELHI: There was a time when Auqib Nabi didn't own a pair of bowling spikes.
For his first U-19 trial in Jammu & Kashmir, the fast bowler from Baramulla borrowed a pair from a friend. When he eventually earned selection, fate threw up another twist. The friend who had lent him the spikes didn't make the squad. Auqib borrowed another pair from him and played his entire first U-19 tournament in borrowed shoes.
Today, Auqib is making a name for himself with a skill that many fast bowlers spend years trying to master: the ability to swing the ball both ways. He has now earned his maiden India call-up, with the 29-year-old seamer from Jammu & Kashmir replacing the injured Jasprit ******* rah in India's Test squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka.
Nabi has picked up 104 wickets over the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, virtually breaking the selection door down with his performances. He was also part of the India A squad that toured Sri Lanka recently, where he claimed six wickets in two First Class matches.
Yet, the road to the Indian dressing room wasn't built in fancy academies or elite fast-bowling programmes. It was shaped by a long journey, borrowed equipment and an obsession with learning.
"My parents are government school teachers. Initially, they wanted me to focus on studies, which was natural. Cricket wasn't something we had planned. A friend told me about the Under-19 trials. Until then, I didn't even know they were happening," Auqib had told reporters after picking up a five-wicket haul on the opening day of the Delhi vs Jammu & Kashmir Ranji Trophy match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in November 2025.
Like countless youngsters in Kashmir, his cricketing education began with tennis-ball matches. The transition to leather-ball cricket, however, brought a different challenge.
"The most basic thing a fast bowler needs is a turf wicket," he had said. "Baramulla had turf, but you couldn't bowl there wearing spikes. So I had to travel to Srinagar to practice."
The one-and-a-half-hour journey from Baramulla to Srinagar became part of his routine. Hours on the road simply to bowl a few overs on a proper surface. For many aspiring cricketers, inadequate facilities become a convenient excuse. Auqib never allowed himself that luxury.
"If you want to play for India, these things cannot become excuses. If you want it badly enough, you have to do it."
That philosophy continues to define him.
The philosophy kept motivating him day in and day out, but it was his obsession with learning that made him the bowler he is today.
"When he first joined the J&K team for the Buchi Babu Trophy in Salem in 2023, he could only bowl the outswinger. But he wanted to bowl both ways. So I started working on his inswing," P. Krishnakumar, Jammu & Kashmir's bowling coach, told TimesofIndia.com.
"He has a great wrist position, which is one of his biggest strengths," he said.
There were no shortcuts, and Nabi knew it. He started working on
For his first U-19 trial in Jammu & Kashmir, the fast bowler from Baramulla borrowed a pair from a friend. When he eventually earned selection, fate threw up another twist. The friend who had lent him the spikes didn't make the squad. Auqib borrowed another pair from him and played his entire first U-19 tournament in borrowed shoes.
Today, Auqib is making a name for himself with a skill that many fast bowlers spend years trying to master: the ability to swing the ball both ways. He has now earned his maiden India call-up, with the 29-year-old seamer from Jammu & Kashmir replacing the injured Jasprit ******* rah in India's Test squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka.
Nabi has picked up 104 wickets over the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, virtually breaking the selection door down with his performances. He was also part of the India A squad that toured Sri Lanka recently, where he claimed six wickets in two First Class matches.
Yet, the road to the Indian dressing room wasn't built in fancy academies or elite fast-bowling programmes. It was shaped by a long journey, borrowed equipment and an obsession with learning.
"My parents are government school teachers. Initially, they wanted me to focus on studies, which was natural. Cricket wasn't something we had planned. A friend told me about the Under-19 trials. Until then, I didn't even know they were happening," Auqib had told reporters after picking up a five-wicket haul on the opening day of the Delhi vs Jammu & Kashmir Ranji Trophy match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in November 2025.
Like countless youngsters in Kashmir, his cricketing education began with tennis-ball matches. The transition to leather-ball cricket, however, brought a different challenge.
"The most basic thing a fast bowler needs is a turf wicket," he had said. "Baramulla had turf, but you couldn't bowl there wearing spikes. So I had to travel to Srinagar to practice."
The one-and-a-half-hour journey from Baramulla to Srinagar became part of his routine. Hours on the road simply to bowl a few overs on a proper surface. For many aspiring cricketers, inadequate facilities become a convenient excuse. Auqib never allowed himself that luxury.
"If you want to play for India, these things cannot become excuses. If you want it badly enough, you have to do it."
That philosophy continues to define him.
The philosophy kept motivating him day in and day out, but it was his obsession with learning that made him the bowler he is today.
"When he first joined the J&K team for the Buchi Babu Trophy in Salem in 2023, he could only bowl the outswinger. But he wanted to bowl both ways. So I started working on his inswing," P. Krishnakumar, Jammu & Kashmir's bowling coach, told TimesofIndia.com.
"He has a great wrist position, which is one of his biggest strengths," he said.
There were no shortcuts, and Nabi knew it. He started working on
2 months ago
India's injury woes have opened the door for one of domestic cricket's most persistent performers, with Auqib Nabi named as Jasprit ****** rah's replacement in the Test squad for Sri Lanka.
The Jammu and Kashmir seamer earns a maiden senior call-up after years of prolific returns in red-ball cricket. ****** rah was ruled out of the two-Test series after failing to fully recover from the left-knee issue he sustained during the ODI series in England.
With the BCCI medical team advising caution, the selectors turned to a bowler whose weight of wickets had made him impossible to ignore any longer.
For the 29-year-old, the call represents the culmination of a long and often frustrating wait for recognition. Having dominated the Ranji Trophy for two seasons, Nabi now stands on the brink of a Test debut on turning tracks that could suit his disciplined seam bowling.
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#jasprit #kashmir
The Jammu and Kashmir seamer earns a maiden senior call-up after years of prolific returns in red-ball cricket. ****** rah was ruled out of the two-Test series after failing to fully recover from the left-knee issue he sustained during the ODI series in England.
With the BCCI medical team advising caution, the selectors turned to a bowler whose weight of wickets had made him impossible to ignore any longer.
For the 29-year-old, the call represents the culmination of a long and often frustrating wait for recognition. Having dominated the Ranji Trophy for two seasons, Nabi now stands on the brink of a Test debut on turning tracks that could suit his disciplined seam bowling.
Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source
#jasprit #kashmir
2 months ago
NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir seamer Auqib Nabi earned his maiden call-up to the Indian team after senior pacer Jasprit ******* rah was ruled out of the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. TimesofIndia.com had earlier reported that the J & K pacer was the frontrunner to replace the 32-year-old in the squad, who has not yet fully recovered from the left knee injury sustained during the ODI series against England.
"The Men's Selection Committee has named Auqib Nabi as ******* rah's replacement. The Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler earns his maiden call-up to the senior national team," A BCCI release said.
Nabi claimed 104 wickets across the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, including 60 wickets in the 2025-26 campaign, playing a pivotal role in Jammu and Kashmir's maiden Ranji Trophy triumph.
He was also part of the India A squad that toured Sri Lanka recently, where he claimed six wickets in two first-class matches.
The first Test will be played in Galle from August 15 to 19, while the second Test will be held in Colombo from August 23 to 27.
The series is part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
132822556
Shubman Gill (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sai Sudharsan*, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi.
*Subject to fitness clearance
#nabi #test #jammu #maiden
"The Men's Selection Committee has named Auqib Nabi as ******* rah's replacement. The Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler earns his maiden call-up to the senior national team," A BCCI release said.
Nabi claimed 104 wickets across the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, including 60 wickets in the 2025-26 campaign, playing a pivotal role in Jammu and Kashmir's maiden Ranji Trophy triumph.
He was also part of the India A squad that toured Sri Lanka recently, where he claimed six wickets in two first-class matches.
The first Test will be played in Galle from August 15 to 19, while the second Test will be held in Colombo from August 23 to 27.
The series is part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
132822556
Shubman Gill (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sai Sudharsan*, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi.
*Subject to fitness clearance
#nabi #test #jammu #maiden
2 months ago
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a 15-member squad for India's two-match Test series against the hosts on their tour of Sri Lanka in August.
With Jasprit ******* rah ruled out and Auqib Nabi set to earn his maiden senior national team call-up, and the Test squad captained by captain Shubman Gill, India return to action on August 15 as they take on Sri Lanka in the first Test of the series at Galle.
The squad includes experienced players like Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj, and the pacer from Jammu and Kashmir, Nabi, has been selected on the basis of his impressive domestic performances.
Although ******* rah was initially in the squad, he is not available because he continues to recover from his left knee injury sustained in the ODI series against England. Participation of Sai Sudharsan is subject to clearance from the medical team of BCCI.
Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source
#series
With Jasprit ******* rah ruled out and Auqib Nabi set to earn his maiden senior national team call-up, and the Test squad captained by captain Shubman Gill, India return to action on August 15 as they take on Sri Lanka in the first Test of the series at Galle.
The squad includes experienced players like Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj, and the pacer from Jammu and Kashmir, Nabi, has been selected on the basis of his impressive domestic performances.
Although ******* rah was initially in the squad, he is not available because he continues to recover from his left knee injury sustained in the ODI series against England. Participation of Sai Sudharsan is subject to clearance from the medical team of BCCI.
Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source
#series
3 months ago
A magnificent 168 from Sai Sudharsan, backed by valuable contributions from the middle and lower order, helped India A seize complete control of the second unofficial Test against Sri Lanka A, finishing Day 3 at 541/8 and extending their lead to 175 runs.
After rain interrupted play for nearly an hour following the tea break, India A still managed to strengthen their grip on the contest, setting themselves up for a strong finish heading into the final day.
Resuming on his overnight score of 104, Sudharsan continued to dominate the Sri Lankan attack with a composed innings of 168 off 267 deliveries, laced with 22 boundaries. His knock came after Devdutt Padikkal narrowly missed out on a century, falling for 94 in the opening over of the day.
India A were reduced to 248/2 early in the morning, but Sudharsan rebuilt the innings alongside captain Dhruv Jurel. The pair stitched together a crucial 120-run stand for the third wicket, ensuring the visitors remained firmly in control.
Sudharsan looked set for a double hundred before left-arm spinner Dilum Sudeera trapped him lbw. Jurel soon followed after scoring a well-made 53 off 88 **** , also falling to Sudeera.
India A were briefly concerned when Ruturaj Gaikwad retired hurt after being struck on the helmet by a delivery from pacer Asanka Manoj. The opener managed just 13 runs before walking off the field, and his availability for the final day remains uncertain.
Following the dismissals of Sudharsan and Jurel, Shaik Rasheed played an aggressive knock of 45 from just 51 **** before becoming another lbw victim, this time to off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha.
With India A leading by 84 runs at 454/5, the lower order ensured the advantage continued to grow. Saransh Jain remained unbeaten on 68, while Auqib Nabi contributed a useful 30 during an 81-run partnership for the sixth wicket.
Although Nabi was dismissed late in the day, caught in the deep off part-time spinner Sahan Arachchige, India A had already built a commanding lead by stumps.
Keshara Nuwantha was Sri Lanka A's most successful bowler with figures of 4/158, while Dilum Sudeera claimed 3/101.
Sri Lanka A: 366 all out
India A: 541/8 in 142 overs (Sai Sudharsan 168, Devdutt Padikkal 94, Dhruv Jurel 53, Saransh Jain 68*; Keshara Nuwantha 4/158, Dilum Sudeera 3/101)
Status: India A lead by 175 runs at stumps on Day 3.
After rain interrupted play for nearly an hour following the tea break, India A still managed to strengthen their grip on the contest, setting themselves up for a strong finish heading into the final day.
Resuming on his overnight score of 104, Sudharsan continued to dominate the Sri Lankan attack with a composed innings of 168 off 267 deliveries, laced with 22 boundaries. His knock came after Devdutt Padikkal narrowly missed out on a century, falling for 94 in the opening over of the day.
India A were reduced to 248/2 early in the morning, but Sudharsan rebuilt the innings alongside captain Dhruv Jurel. The pair stitched together a crucial 120-run stand for the third wicket, ensuring the visitors remained firmly in control.
Sudharsan looked set for a double hundred before left-arm spinner Dilum Sudeera trapped him lbw. Jurel soon followed after scoring a well-made 53 off 88 **** , also falling to Sudeera.
India A were briefly concerned when Ruturaj Gaikwad retired hurt after being struck on the helmet by a delivery from pacer Asanka Manoj. The opener managed just 13 runs before walking off the field, and his availability for the final day remains uncertain.
Following the dismissals of Sudharsan and Jurel, Shaik Rasheed played an aggressive knock of 45 from just 51 **** before becoming another lbw victim, this time to off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha.
With India A leading by 84 runs at 454/5, the lower order ensured the advantage continued to grow. Saransh Jain remained unbeaten on 68, while Auqib Nabi contributed a useful 30 during an 81-run partnership for the sixth wicket.
Although Nabi was dismissed late in the day, caught in the deep off part-time spinner Sahan Arachchige, India A had already built a commanding lead by stumps.
Keshara Nuwantha was Sri Lanka A's most successful bowler with figures of 4/158, while Dilum Sudeera claimed 3/101.
Sri Lanka A: 366 all out
India A: 541/8 in 142 overs (Sai Sudharsan 168, Devdutt Padikkal 94, Dhruv Jurel 53, Saransh Jain 68*; Keshara Nuwantha 4/158, Dilum Sudeera 3/101)
Status: India A lead by 175 runs at stumps on Day 3.
4 months ago
Sri Lanka A captain Sahan Arachchige scored an unbeaten 83 to guide his team to 288 for 5 at stumps on the opening day of the second unofficial Test against India A in Galle on Thursday.
India A bowlers Yash Thakur and Saransh Jain picked up two wickets each, but Sri Lanka A stayed in control after recovering from a steady start.
Arachchige remained unbeaten on 83 from 148 ******* , hitting nine fours and a six. He also shared a 99-run partnership for the fifth wicket with wicketkeeper Anjala Bandara, who made 42 before being bowled by off-spinner Jain.
Thakur finished with figures of 2 for 32 from 14 overs, while Jain returned 2 for 77 from 24 overs. Fast bowler Gurnoor Brar claimed one wicket for 49 runs in 15 overs.
Leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari, playing his first red-ball match in six years, went wicketless, conceding 64 runs from his 16 overs.
On a slow Galle pitch, wickets were hard to come by. Sri Lanka A openers Pawantha Weerasinghe (39) and Sohan di Livera (28) put together 53 runs for the first wicket.
Thakur provided India A with the breakthrough when Di Livera edged one to Devdutt Padikkal at slip.
Weerasinghe batted through most of the morning session before Brar dismissed him just before lunch. The left-hander edged one behind to captain and wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel.
Nuwanidu Fernando (44) and Ashen Bandara (34) then added 57 runs for the third wicket to keep Sri Lanka A in a strong position.
Jain broke the stand by having Fernando caught by Padikkal. Thakur then removed Ashen, who edged behind to Jurel.
Fast bowler Auqib Nabi could not trouble the Sri Lanka A openers with the new ball and finished with figures of 0 for 50 from 15 overs.
Brar bowled with more pace and used the short ball effectively but ended with only one wicket.
Ansari had a difficult outing, bowling several loose deliveries that allowed the batters to score freely. His leg-spin did not trouble the Sri Lanka A batters, who capitalised whenever he missed his length.
Brief Scores:
Sri Lanka A 1st Innings: 288/5 (Sahan Arachchige 83 batting, Nuwanidu Fernando 44, Anjala Bandara 42, Yash Thakur 2/32, Saransh Jain 2/77, Gurnoor Brar 1/49).
India A bowlers Yash Thakur and Saransh Jain picked up two wickets each, but Sri Lanka A stayed in control after recovering from a steady start.
Arachchige remained unbeaten on 83 from 148 ******* , hitting nine fours and a six. He also shared a 99-run partnership for the fifth wicket with wicketkeeper Anjala Bandara, who made 42 before being bowled by off-spinner Jain.
Thakur finished with figures of 2 for 32 from 14 overs, while Jain returned 2 for 77 from 24 overs. Fast bowler Gurnoor Brar claimed one wicket for 49 runs in 15 overs.
Leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari, playing his first red-ball match in six years, went wicketless, conceding 64 runs from his 16 overs.
On a slow Galle pitch, wickets were hard to come by. Sri Lanka A openers Pawantha Weerasinghe (39) and Sohan di Livera (28) put together 53 runs for the first wicket.
Thakur provided India A with the breakthrough when Di Livera edged one to Devdutt Padikkal at slip.
Weerasinghe batted through most of the morning session before Brar dismissed him just before lunch. The left-hander edged one behind to captain and wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel.
Nuwanidu Fernando (44) and Ashen Bandara (34) then added 57 runs for the third wicket to keep Sri Lanka A in a strong position.
Jain broke the stand by having Fernando caught by Padikkal. Thakur then removed Ashen, who edged behind to Jurel.
Fast bowler Auqib Nabi could not trouble the Sri Lanka A openers with the new ball and finished with figures of 0 for 50 from 15 overs.
Brar bowled with more pace and used the short ball effectively but ended with only one wicket.
Ansari had a difficult outing, bowling several loose deliveries that allowed the batters to score freely. His leg-spin did not trouble the Sri Lanka A batters, who capitalised whenever he missed his length.
Brief Scores:
Sri Lanka A 1st Innings: 288/5 (Sahan Arachchige 83 batting, Nuwanidu Fernando 44, Anjala Bandara 42, Yash Thakur 2/32, Saransh Jain 2/77, Gurnoor Brar 1/49).
4 months ago
NEW DELHI: India A's tour of Sri Lanka enters its multi-day phase with the start of a two-match unofficial Test series, offering several emerging stars a golden opportunity to strengthen their claims for higher honours in red-ball cricket. Led by wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, India A will take on Sri Lanka A in a pair of matches expected to provide a stern examination of the visitors' long-format credentials.
Pacer Aquib Nabi will be among those eager to make a strong statement when the series begins in Galle on Thursday. Nabi, who claimed 60 wickets during Jammu & Kashmir's historic Ranji Trophy triumph, was overlooked for India's one-off Test against Afghanistan, a decision that sparked debate among fans and experts. Strong performances in Sri Lanka could further strengthen his case for national selection, especially with India scheduled to tour New Zealand later this year, where seam-friendly conditions could suit his style of bowling.
The series also presents a valuable opportunity for several fringe players and established performers. Apart from skipper Jurel, Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal will look to bolster their credentials in the race for a top-order berth. Fast bowler Anshul Kamboj, seeking redemption after a difficult Test debut in England last year, and recent ODI debutant Harsh Dubey are also part of the squad. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Gurnoor Brar add further depth to a side brimming with talent and ambition.
The red-ball **** ignment follows the limited-overs leg of the tour and will serve as an important platform for players pushing for places in India's senior setup. With conditions in Sri Lanka traditionally rewarding spin, patience and discipline, the unofficial Tests are expected to provide a valuable learning experience and a meaningful gauge of the squad's readiness for the next level.
First Unofficial Test
Date: June 25-28, 2026
Venue: Galle International Stadium
Second Unofficial Test
Date: July 2-5, 2026
Venue: Galle International Stadium
Live match start times
Both unofficial Tests are scheduled to begin at: 10:00 AM local time (Sri Lanka)/10:00 AM IST
India A: Dhruv Jurel (captain, wicketkeeper), Sai Sudharsan, Ayush Pandey, Devdutt Padikkal (vice-captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Harsh Dubey, Saransh Jain, Gurnoor Brar, Auqib Nabi, Yash Thakur, Anshul Kamboj, N. Jagadeesan (wicketkeeper), Aman Mokhade, Shaik Rasheed, Zeeshan Ansari.
Pacer Aquib Nabi will be among those eager to make a strong statement when the series begins in Galle on Thursday. Nabi, who claimed 60 wickets during Jammu & Kashmir's historic Ranji Trophy triumph, was overlooked for India's one-off Test against Afghanistan, a decision that sparked debate among fans and experts. Strong performances in Sri Lanka could further strengthen his case for national selection, especially with India scheduled to tour New Zealand later this year, where seam-friendly conditions could suit his style of bowling.
The series also presents a valuable opportunity for several fringe players and established performers. Apart from skipper Jurel, Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal will look to bolster their credentials in the race for a top-order berth. Fast bowler Anshul Kamboj, seeking redemption after a difficult Test debut in England last year, and recent ODI debutant Harsh Dubey are also part of the squad. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Gurnoor Brar add further depth to a side brimming with talent and ambition.
The red-ball **** ignment follows the limited-overs leg of the tour and will serve as an important platform for players pushing for places in India's senior setup. With conditions in Sri Lanka traditionally rewarding spin, patience and discipline, the unofficial Tests are expected to provide a valuable learning experience and a meaningful gauge of the squad's readiness for the next level.
First Unofficial Test
Date: June 25-28, 2026
Venue: Galle International Stadium
Second Unofficial Test
Date: July 2-5, 2026
Venue: Galle International Stadium
Live match start times
Both unofficial Tests are scheduled to begin at: 10:00 AM local time (Sri Lanka)/10:00 AM IST
India A: Dhruv Jurel (captain, wicketkeeper), Sai Sudharsan, Ayush Pandey, Devdutt Padikkal (vice-captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Harsh Dubey, Saransh Jain, Gurnoor Brar, Auqib Nabi, Yash Thakur, Anshul Kamboj, N. Jagadeesan (wicketkeeper), Aman Mokhade, Shaik Rasheed, Zeeshan Ansari.
