India-A games a big step for those eyeing spot in national team: Kanitkar

Representing India-A in the upcoming series against Australia-A is a crucial step for players eyeing a spot in the senior national team, head coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar said on Monday.

The Shreyas Iyer-led side will take on Australia-A in two four-day games at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, starting Tuesday.

“India-A games are the step before playing for the senior team,” Kanitkar said on the eve of the match. “It gives the team international exposure and helps their development as well.”

As many as 11 of the 15 players selected featured in the recently held Duleep Trophy in Bengaluru for their respective zones.

“This is the next step for them to do well and try for a place in the Indian team. This is ideal because you get to play an international side. Australia-A players here too are trying to get into their senior side. So it’ll be a hard-fought match,” Kanitkar said.

Abhimanyu Easwaran has been on multiple Test tours with the senior team but is yet to make his debut. Kanitkar said the 30-year-old is in a good space and motivated to take up the challenge.

“He’s an experienced player — has led Bengal and played a lot of senior games. So we don’t have to tell him a lot because he knows how cricket is played, what to do when you don’t get chances. The good thing is he’s very motivated to push himself to perform and grab the chance whenever he gets the opportunity,” he said.