India A begin New Zealand tour with nine senior players
India A include nine Test squad members for three four-day matches before the New Zealand Tests.
India A face New Zealand A in three four-day matches starting October 24 at Lincoln. Nine members of India's Test squad will use the series for match practice ahead of the two-Test tour beginning November 19.
Yashasvi Jaiswal makes his first New Zealand tour and will face seaming conditions at Lincoln and Christchurch. KL Rahul will play only the opening fixture before joining the ODI squad. Rishabh Pant is expected to miss the first two matches due to a left-side strain.
Akash Deep returns after an eight-month injury layoff. Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal compete for the number-three spot. Dhruv Jurel captains the side while gaining middle-order batting time before the senior series.
CricHubb Take
The decision to field nine senior players in A-team matches reveals India's concern that net sessions alone will not prepare them for New Zealand's conditions.