India A begin New Zealand tour with nine senior players

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.