![India A could make one change vs SL A [Source: @Crex_live/x.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1782891734245_IndiaAcouldmakeonechangevsSLA.jpg?type=hq)
India A could make one change vs SL A [Source: @Crex_live/x.com]
The stage is set for the second unofficial Test match between India A and Sri Lanka A as the two sides will collide against each other on Wednesday at the Galle International Stadium. The first unofficial Test turned out to be a drawn affair, but it provided for a great contest as there was not much to separate the two teams.
India's senior team will play a Test series against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka, in August 2026; the unofficial matches will provide the perfect match practice as many of the players will feature for the senior side.
The Indian side performed well in the first unofficial Test match, and with the second game right around the corner, we take a look at their predicted playing XI, with one key change incoming.
India's playing XI for 2nd unofficial Test match vs Sri Lanka A
Openers and top order: Sai Sudharsan, Ayush Pandey, Devdutt Padikkal
India A’s top three is fixed, and what is fixed should never be broken. In Sai Sudharsan and Ayush Pandey, the team boasts a dynamic opening pair, and both batters scored runs in the first unofficial Test match.
Sai Sudharsan even managed to score a sublime hundred in the first innings against Sri Lanka A, while Ayush Pandey scored 25 and 38 in the two innings. He’ll be eager to convert the starts into a big total, just like Sudharsan.
At number 3, the Karnataka batter, Devdutt Padikkal, will don the role. He failed in the first innings against Sri Lanka A, but roared back to score a crucial 67 in the second innings. The Indian management would hope he can continue the rich vein of form in the INDA Vs SLA second unofficial Test.
Middle order abd all-rounders: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dhruv Jurel(w/c), Shaik Rasheed, Harsh Dubey
After an impressive performance in the India A tri-series, Ruturaj Gaikwad failed to deliver the goods in the first unofficial Test match. The right-handed Maharashtra batter could only score 23 runs in the combined two innings. However, Gaikwad is a top batter, and he’ll be eager to silence his doubters in the INDA Vs SLA unofficial Test match.
Just like Sudharsan, India A captain Dhruv Jurel also scored a sublime ton in the first unofficial Test match, and he, alongside Shaik Rasheed, will be the two vital cogs in India’s middle-order.
Also Read: The Appeal of Gurnoor Brar
Harsh Dubey is a good enough all-rounder in the Indian domestic circuit, and India A will use him at number 7. He scored runs in the first unofficial Test match, and also took vital wickets as India will once again bank on him.
Bowlers: Saransh Jain, Gurnoor Brar, Yash Thakur, Auqib Nabi Dar
Galle favours the spinners, and apart from Dubey, India will continue to persist with Saransh Jain. He was not at his best in the IND Vs SL first unofficial Test, but the management will continue to back him.
At the same time, the Indian selectors have high hopes from Gurnoor Brar, and he was recently picked in the senior side as well. The BCCI has Brar in their future plans and he could be brought into the playing XI in place of Anshul Kamboj.
Kamboj managed to pick up a solitary wicket in Sri Lanka A’s first innings, but he was largely ineffective.
Yash Thakur and Auqib Dar will be the other two pacers. Auqib was sensational in the first unofficial Test match as he scalped 5 wickets in the two innings, and stamped his authority for a place in the Indian Test side.
India A predicted XI for 2nd unofficial Test vs Sri Lanka A
Sai Sudharsan, Ayush Pandey, Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dhruv Jurel(w/c), Shaik Rasheed, Harsh Dubey, Saransh Jain, Gurnoor Brar, Yash Thakur, Auqib Nabi Dar
Also Read: Shreyas Iyer Drops Suryakumar Yadav’s 1st Official Message After T20I Captaincy Switch
