Rohit, Kohli unlikely to feature for India A against SA A in the upcoming three-match unofficial one-day series starting November 13 in Rajkot. The veteran duo is expected to skip the series as selectors prioritize grooming young talent for future white-ball assignments.
India A Squad Announced Without Rohit and Kohli
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has finalized the India A squad, led by Tilak Varma, with Ruturaj Gaikwad as vice-captain. Notably, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are absent, despite earlier speculation about their participation to maintain match fitness. The selectors have opted for a younger lineup featuring Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, and Arshdeep Singh.
Why Rohit and Kohli Are Skipping the Series
While both players recently featured in the ODI series against Australia, they are now expected to rest ahead of the senior team’s official ODI series against South Africa later this month. “The roadmap is clear — we want to give younger players more exposure,” a BCCI source told Cricbuzz.
Focus Shifts to Youth Development
The India A squad includes several rising stars from domestic cricket. Ishan Kishan earned his spot after consistent performances in the Ranji Trophy, while Abhishek Sharma and Arshdeep Singh continue to impress in T20 internationals. This series is seen as a key opportunity to test bench strength ahead of the 2026 ICC Champions Trophy.
Final Thoughts
Rohit, Kohli unlikely to feature for India A against SA A, signaling a strategic shift by BCCI toward youth development. With the spotlight now on emerging talent, fans can expect fresh energy and competitive cricket in Rajkot.
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