Indian batsman Ruturaj Gaikwad (PTI Image)
Ruturaj Gaikwad has earned a return to the India A setup after being drafted into the squad for the upcoming tri-series in Sri Lanka. The right-hander comes in as a replacement for Ryan Parag, who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury and will now undergo rehabilitation under the supervision of the BCCI Center of Excellence. The selection provides Gaikwad with an immediate opportunity to rebuild momentum after a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign. Despite captaining Chennai Super Kings, the opener struggled to make his usual impact, scoring 337 runs at an average of 28.08 and a strike rate of 123.44. However, the India A team selectors showed their confidence in his ability by not only including him in the squad but also appointing him as vice-captain alongside the captain.
Tilak Pharma
. The tour could be crucial for Gaekwad as he looks to strengthen his case for future national team opportunities.Updated India XI for the tri-series: Tilak Varma (captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad (vice-captain), Priyansh Arya, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Aayush Badoni, Nishant Sindhu, Suryansh Shidge, Prabhsimran Singh (West Kenya), Kumar Koshagra (West Kenya), Viraj Nigam, Yash Thakur, Yudhvir Singh, Anshul Kamboj, Arshad. Khan, Anukul Roy, The tri-series will feature India A, Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A. All white-ball matches will be played in Dambulla before the tour moves to Galle for two multi-day matches against Sri Lanka A.
The team that will play in the red ball matches will be announced separately. For Gaekwad, the tour represents more than just another stint in India. After a difficult season in the IPL, he provides a valuable opportunity to rediscover form, lead from the front and remind the selectors why he remains one of India’s best prospects.