India A’s Likely ODI Squad vs South Africa A: Shreyas Iyer to Captain, Hardik Pandya Returns

After the BCCI announced a strong squad for the two unofficial Test matches between India A and South Africa A, led by Rishabh Pant, fans are now eagerly waiting for the lineup for the three one-day games. The big question will be over Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who are just one-format players now, with a limited number of chances for them to play competitive matches and get game time. However, neither did not featured in the three 50-over games between India-A and Australia-A.

The India-A program is designed to give young players a chance to get experience and prepare for the next level. Interestingly, the two most senior players in the squad will be a surprise. India has included KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj to get some match practice and might follow the same plan in the 50-over games. For now, though, there’s no sign that they will actually take the field.

Shreyas Iyer to Lead India-A Against South Africa-A in ODIs

The three matches are scheduled for November 13, 16, and 19 in Rajkot. This clashes with the first Test between India and South Africa in Kolkata, so players from Shubman Gill’s Test team won’t be available for these games. This means Shreyas Iyer, who has taken a break from red-ball cricket, should again lead the side like he did against Australia-A.

Like with Pant in red-ball cricket, India could use the chance to give Hardik Pandya match practice after his return from injury, which has seen him miss the 2025 Asia Cup final as well as the entire tour of Australia.

A similar team to the one that played against Australia-A is expected. Players like Abhishek Sharma, Riyan Parag, Tilak Varma, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshit Rana will get more chances to show their skills in the 50-over format. Priyansh Arya played only one game against Australia-A but scored a century, so he might get more opportunities here.

Predicted India-A Lineup for the Three One-Day Matches Against South Africa-A

India-A: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma, Abhishek Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Priyansh Arya, Riyan Parag, Ayush Badoni, Vipraj Nigam, Nishant Sindhu, Gurjapneet Singh, Yudhvir Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Abhishek Porel (wk), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh

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