India ‘A’ skipper Iyer will be aiming higher against Australia 'A'

Shreyas Iyer. Pic/AFP

With Team India having a packed international schedule over the next six months, the focus will be on the fringe players when India ‘A' take on Australia ‘A' in the first four-day match at the Ekana Stadium on Tuesday.

Undoubtedly, the spotlight will be on Shreyas Iyer, who has been striving hard to regain his place in the Indian team that will be up against the West Indies in the two-match Test series early next month. Besides, Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Prasidh Krishna, who were part of the Indian team on the recent tour of England, will also be eager to stake their claim. With KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj set to join the squad for the second four-day game from September 23 here, that match will also act as a warm-up ahead of the Test series.

Selectors face criticism

The national selectors have been criticised for ignoring Iyer time and again in every format. Despite doing well in the Champions Trophy, the IPL and other domestic matches, he somehow remains ignored. Shreyas, with the added responsibility of captain, will thus be keen to prove his mettle to force the selectors to include him in the Test squad.

India ‘A' coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar feels Shreyas is in a good space. "He [Shreyas] is batting well, is in good form and a very good player. He is very clear about his cricket, very committed and has shown us that he plays well in all formats. He is very focused and ready for any challenge," Kanitkar said on Monday.

Coach Kanitkar confident

There is a lot at stake for other batters too, be it Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sai Sudharshan, Devdutt Padikkal, or Ayush Badoni, as there are a couple of spots up for grabs in the Indian Test team. "The ‘A' series is a step before playing for the India senior team. So, it's extremely important. It gives the players that international exposure as well and helps their development," added Kanitkar.