In a clear signal of India’s next-gen push, the BCCI has announced a youthful India A squad to face South Africa A in a three-match unofficial ODI series in Rajkot. Notably absent are veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, as the spotlight shifts firmly to emerging stars. Leading the charge is 22-year-old Tilak Varma, with Ruturaj Gaikwad named vice-captain—a move that underscores the board’s commitment to building depth ahead of future global challenges .
Table of Contents
- India A Squad Announcement: A New Leadership Era
- Key Players to Watch in Rajkot
- Why Kohli, Rohit & Iyer Are Missing
- Why This Series Matters
Tilak Varma Handed Captaincy in Historic Move
This marks the first time Tilak Varma—already a T20I mainstay—has been entrusted with leading an India A side in 50-over cricket. The left-handed batter’s calm demeanor and consistent performances in high-pressure games made him the natural choice for selectors. His deputy, Ruturaj Gaikwad, brings experience from IPL captaincy and his own solid white-ball credentials.
The series, scheduled from November 13 to 19, 2025 at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot, serves as a crucial testing ground for players on the fringe of the senior squad.
India A Squad: Rising Stars Take Center Stage
The 14-member squad blends T20 specialists with promising domestic performers, creating a competitive environment that mirrors international intensity.
| Role | Player |
|---|---|
| Captain | Tilak Varma |
| Vice-Captain | Ruturaj Gaikwad |
| Wicketkeeper | Ishan Kishan |
| All-rounders | Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag |
| Pacers | Mukesh Kumar, Yash Dayal, Akash Deep, Vidwath Kaverappa |
| Spinners | Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan |
| Batters | Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rajat Patidar |
Notably, Ishan Kishan returns to the setup after a brief hiatus, while Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rinku Singh—both T20I regulars—are expected to anchor the top order in the longer white-ball format.
No Kohli, Rohit, or Shreyas Iyer
As expected, senior stars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are left out, given their recent workload and the BCCI’s focus on managing veteran players’ fitness ahead of major ICC events. More significantly, Shreyas Iyer is sidelined due to a lingering back injury, which continues to hamper his availability across formats .
With Iyer unavailable, the middle-order responsibility falls on Riyan Parag and Washington Sundar—two players who’ve been knocking on the door of the senior ODI team for over a year.
Why the India A vs SA A Series Matters
This unofficial ODI series isn’t just filler cricket. It’s a strategic audition. With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, the selectors are actively scouting for reliable No. 4 and No. 5 batters, a dependable left-arm pacer, and a wicketkeeper who can consistently perform in 50-over cricket.
Performances in Rajkot could directly influence selection for the upcoming ODI series against England and the ICC Champions Trophy 2026. For players like Avesh Khan and Vidwath Kaverappa—both recovering from injury setbacks—this is a golden opportunity to prove their match readiness.
A Glimpse Into India’s White-Ball Future
The absence of big names may lower mainstream hype, but for talent scouts and fantasy cricket managers, this series is a goldmine. Tilak Varma’s leadership debut could be the start of a new era, and Rajkot’s batting-friendly track will test whether these emerging stars can convert promise into performance under pressure.
One thing’s clear: the future of Indian cricket isn’t waiting in the wings—it’s already on the field.