Hrishikesh Kanitkar Appointed as India A Head Coach for Crucial England Tour
As the cricketing world gears up for an exciting summer, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has dropped a significant update. Former India all-rounder Hrishikesh Kanitkar has been named the head coach of the India A team for their much-anticipated tour of England, set to commence on May 30. This tour is a vital stepping stone for players aiming to impress selectors ahead of the senior team’s high-stakes five-match Test series against England.
Joining Kanitkar in the coaching dugout are Rajib Dutta as the bowling coach and Joydeep Bhattacharya as the fielding coach. The trio will guide a talented India A side, captained by the dependable Abhimanyu Easwaran, through a rigorous schedule comprising three matches. The tour kicks off with two fixtures against the England Lions—the first from May 30 to June 2 in Canterbury, followed by the second from June 6 to 9 in Northampton. The final match, a unique opportunity for the youngsters to showcase their mettle, will be against the senior Indian squad from June 13 to 16.
This ‘shadow tour’ is not just another series; it holds immense significance as a preparatory platform for the Indian senior team’s grueling Test campaign against England, starting on June 20 at Leeds. India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, is expected to be on-site with the first batch of senior players and will keenly observe the second India A match in Northampton. His presence underscores the importance of this tour in identifying and nurturing talent for the ultimate Test battle ahead.
Hrishikesh Kanitkar, a seasoned campaigner with a wealth of experience, brings a treasure trove of knowledge to the role. Having represented India in 2 Tests and 34 ODIs, Kanitkar amassed an impressive 10,400 runs in 146 first-class matches at an average of 52.26. His coaching credentials are equally noteworthy—leading the Indian women’s team to a historic gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games and guiding the India Under-19 team to triumph at the 2022 Under-19 World Cup. His past stints with India A also add to his credentials, making him a perfect fit to mentor the next generation of Indian cricketing talent.
The India A squad is a blend of seasoned domestic performers and exciting young prospects. Led by Abhimanyu Easwaran, with Dhruv Jurel as vice-captain and wicketkeeper, the team boasts names like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sarfaraz Khan, and Ishan Kishan. The pace attack is spearheaded by the likes of Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, and Khaleel Ahmed, while spin options include Manav Suthar and Tanush Kotian. Notably, Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan are set to join the squad ahead of the second match, adding further depth to an already formidable lineup.
As the India A team embarks on this crucial tour, the spotlight will be on how these players seize their opportunities under Kanitkar’s astute guidance. With the senior team’s selectors keeping a close watch, every run scored and wicket taken could be a ticket to the hallowed grounds of Test cricket. Will this tour unearth the next big star for Indian cricket? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—England awaits a fierce contest from India’s rising stars.