The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the India A squad for the upcoming ODI tri-series featuring Afghanistan A and Sri Lanka A, to be held in Dambulla, Sri Lanka. The tournament is scheduled to begin shortly after the conclusion of the IPL 2026 season, with India A taking the field in a tightly packed multi-team series that will also include a follow-up red-ball component.
Tilak Varma has once again been entrusted with the captaincy of India A, continuing his leadership role after previously leading the side against South Africa A. Riyan Parag has been appointed vice-captain, stepping into the role after Ruturaj Gaikwad’s elevation to the senior India setup. The squad reflects a blend of experienced domestic performers and emerging young talents, with several notable inclusions and omissions.
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One of the biggest talking points is the selection of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who earns his maiden unofficial ODI call-up for India A. Sooryavanshi had earlier featured in the Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament but this marks a significant step forward in his development pathway. Alongside him, Priyansh Arya joins the squad, while senior batters Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma, who featured in the previous India A series against South Africa A, are not included this time.
In the bowling department, several changes have been forced due to injuries and workload management. Khaleel Ahmed misses out due to injury, with Arshad Khan of Gujarat Titans coming in as his replacement. Fast bowlers Yash Thakur, Yudhvir Singh, and Anshul Kamboj have also been included. Harshit Rana is sidelined due to injury, while Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh have been rested to manage their workload and remain focused on senior national commitments.
Other additions to the squad include Suryansh Shedge and Anukul Roy, strengthening India A’s all-round options. The wicketkeeping duties will be handled by Prabhsimran Singh and Kumar Kushagra.
Following the ODI tri-series, India A will also participate in two four-day red-ball matches against Sri Lanka A in Galle. The fixtures and squad for the longer format series will be announced separately. The BCCI has also noted that India will host Afghanistan for a one-off Test match in Punjab from June 6 to 10, further tightening the international calendar.
India A ODI Tri-Series Squad
Tilak Varma (Captain), Riyan Parag (Vice-Captain), Priyansh Arya, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ayush Badoni, Nishant Sindhu, Anukul Roy, Suryansh Shedge, Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Kumar Kushagra (WK), Vipraj Nigam, Yash Thakur, Yudhvir Singh, Anshul Kamboj, Arshad Khan
| Match No. | Date | Fixture | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | June 9 (Tue) | India A vs Sri Lanka A | Dambulla |
| 2 | June 11 (Thu) | India A vs Afghanistan A | Dambulla |
| 3 | June 13 (Sat) | Afghanistan A vs Sri Lanka A | Dambulla |
| 4 | June 15 (Mon) | India A vs Sri Lanka A | Dambulla |
| 5 | June 17 (Wed) | India A vs Afghanistan A | Dambulla |
| 6 | June 19 (Fri) | Afghanistan A vs Sri Lanka A | Dambulla |
| 7 | June 21 (Sun) | Tri-Nation Final | Dambulla |
The tri-series is expected to be an important platform for emerging Indian players to push for senior national selection, especially with several senior players being rotated or rested ahead of a busy international calendar.
