The composition of the India ‘A’ squad to South Africa is more than revelatory of the tour’s purpose. First, it would ensure that some of the regulars could get accustomed to the conditions in South Africa, before the full-fledged series towards the backend of the year. Secondly, it’s an opportunity for some of the fringe players and hopefuls to stake their claims, and possibly squeeze their way into the squad.
For the automatics – Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan and Cheteshwar Pujara – the A tour presents an opportunity to get a fair hit in these conditions, so that they are mentally and technically in the right frame of mind for the series later this year. “South Africa is a very tough place to tour, and any sort of experience before the actual series will come in handy for these players. That we have so many Test players in the squad means that we are taking this tour very seriously,” pointed out coach Lalchand Rajput.
Both Vijay and Pujara have played in South Africa before, and in fact the latter exuded composure against Dale Steyn and Co. “He was a rookie then, but now he has cemented his place in the side. Also, captaining the side would make him more mature. Also, batting at the crucial number three spot, he knows he has a huge role to play. So the A tour will help him prepare for the South Africa series,” opined Rajput.
The tour is as significant for the one-Test-old opening pair of Vijay and Dhawan. “Both of them have gotten used to international cricket, but South Africa will be different. It’s a tough place for openers, as the ball would swing and seam around for a fair while. And they have one of the finest new-ball pair around. So this tour will help them prepare for the series,” said former Test batsman Pravin Amre, who made a century on debut in South Africa.
The likelihood of selectors picking a third opener would intensify the contest between Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane and Dinesh Karthik. All of them are utility openers, and can tweak into the middle-order as well. And if they can produce a clutch of good scores they would be in the reckoning. Likewise, Ambati Rayudu and Suresh Raina can push for middle-order slots. If they decide to take an extra wicket keeper, Wriddhiman Saha, too, could be in the plan.
On the bowling front, the likes of Mohammad Shami Ahmed, Ishwar Pandey, Jaydev Unadkat and Siddarth Kaul would know that impressive returns could propel them to the national squad, more so with the possibility of stuffing the squad with five pacers.
Overall, if the players fare reasonably well, it would furnish the selectors with a wide pool of players to choose the squad from. “It is always good to have a wide range of players who have international exposure. In this regard, the selectors have done a wonderful job in giving opportunity to young players, like they did for the Zimbabwe tour and this A tour. Hopefully, the players will grab their opportunities,” observed Rajput.