Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Arshdeep Singh added to India A squad against England Lions

The trio of Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh and Arshdeep Singh have been added to the India A squad for the final two four-day matches against the England Lions. They were recently part of the Indian squad for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan and upon its completion, the team management decided to include them in the India A squad to keep the cricketers in the scheme of things.

Notably, Rinku was recently part of the Indian Test squad on their recent tour to South Africa. He was also fielding in the first Test, but a debut cap might still be far away. He has played 43 first-class matches so far, scoring 3099 runs at an average of 58.47 and courtesy of the same, the team management has shown their faith in the 26-year-old. Alongside Rinku, his Uttar Pradesh teammate Yash Dayal too has been called up to the India A squad.

On the other hand, the team management has shown a lot of faith in Tilak Varma in the recent past. Skipper Rohit Sharma believes that the cricketer has what it takes to succeed in all three formats and the upcoming series against England Lions could be the opportunity for him to crack the Test squad. 

Meanwhile, Kumar Kushagra and Upendra Yadav will replace KS Bharat and Dhruv Jurel in the India A squad. The duo has been called for the first two Test matches against England, starting January 25 in Hyderabad, which has made room for Kushagra and Yadav to get into the squad. 

Other notable changes include Washington Sundar’s return to red-ball cricket. He is expected to feature in the playing XI in both matches and will partner Saurabh Kumar in the second match. Meanwhile, Shams Mulani will replace Kumar in the third match of the series, while Tushar Deshpande has been called up for both matches.

India A squad for second four-dayer
Abhimanyu Easwaran (c), B Sai Sudharsan, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Tilak Varma, Kumar Kushagra (wk), Washington Sundar, Sourabh Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Tushar Deshpande, Vidwath Kaverappa, Upendra Yadav (wk), Akash Deep, Yash Dayal

India A squad for third four-dayer
Abhimanyu Easwaran (c), B Sai Sudharsan, Rajat Patidar, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Kumar Kushagra (wk), Washington Sundar, Shams Mulani, Arshdeep Singh, Tushar Deshpande, Vidwath Kaverappa, Upendra Yadav (wk), Akash Deep, Yash Dayal