Tilak Varma's India A arrive in Sri Lanka for 50-over tri-series
Synopsis
Tilak Varma leads a talent-packed India A squad into Sri Lanka for a 50-over tri-series that doubles as a senior-team audition. With Riyan Parag ruled out injured and Harsh Dubey promoted to the senior side, the reshaped squad gives uncapped names like Sooryavanshi, Arya, and Badoni a high-visibility stage from 9 June in Dambulla.
Key Takeaways
India A , captained by Tilak Varma , have arrived in Sri Lanka for a 50-over tri-series from 9–21 June at RDICS, Dambulla .
The three-team field comprises India A , Sri Lanka A , and Afghanistan A ; the final is on 21 June .
Riyan Parag was ruled out with a hamstring injury; Ruturaj Gaikwad was drafted in as vice-captain.
Harsh Dubey 's promotion to the senior squad created the vacancy filled by Anukul Roy .
Uncapped players Vaibhav Sooryavanshi , Priyansh Arya , Ayush Badoni , and Nishant Sindhu are in contention for senior recognition.
Coaching staff includes Hrishikesh Kanitkar , Sunil Joshi , Lakshmipathy Balaji , and Shubhadeep Ghosh .
Tilak Varma-led India A have touched down in Sri Lanka ahead of the 50-over tri-series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS), scheduled from 9 to 21 June. The squad, featuring a blend of capped internationals and emerging talent, will face hosts Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A in what is shaping up to be a competitive three-team contest.
Opening Fixtures and Format
India A open their campaign against Sri Lanka A on 9 June, with Afghanistan A completing the tri-series field. The tournament final is slated for 21 June, all matches to be held at RDICS in Dambulla. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed the squad's arrival on Friday, sharing images of players including Varma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Anukul Roy landing in the country.
'India A Team has arrived in Sri Lanka ahead of the upcoming Tri-Nation Series at RDICS. Ready to showcase their skills and compete in what promises to be a thrilling tournament. Let the action begin,' SLC wrote on its social media accounts.
Key Squad Changes Before Departure
The final squad saw two notable adjustments before the team flew out. Harsh Dubey's call-up to the senior Test and ODI squads for the Afghanistan series opened the door for Anukul Roy to be included in the A-side. Subsequently, Ruturaj Gaikwad was elevated to vice-captain after Riyan Parag was ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Parag, who reportedly carried the niggle through the closing stages of IPL 2026 while captaining Rajasthan Royals, will now undergo rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.
Players to Watch
Alongside Varma, Gaikwad, and Anshul Kamboj — the capped India players in the squad — several uncapped names will be keen to press their case for senior selection. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Ayush Badoni, and Nishant Sindhu are among those expected to use the series as an audition for higher honours.
Coaching Staff and Full Squad
Hrishikesh Kanitkar, Sunil Joshi, Lakshmipathy Balaji, and Shubhadeep Ghosh will serve as the coaching staff for the tour, according to reports. The full squad reads: Tilak Varma (captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad (vice-captain), Priyansh Arya, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ayush Badoni, Nishant Sindhu, Suryansh Shedge, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Kumar Kushagra (wk), Vipraj Nigam, Yash Thakur, Yudhvir Singh, Anshul Kamboj, Arshad Khan, and Anukul Roy.
With the senior white-ball calendar growing increasingly crowded, the tri-series offers fringe players a timely opportunity to stake their claim ahead of upcoming international cycles.
Point of View
The BCCI's pipeline management is under the microscope. The presence of Sooryavanshi — fresh off IPL attention — alongside seasoned hands like Gaikwad means the coaching staff must balance development with results. How the selectors read performances here will likely influence the next white-ball squad announcement, making every innings count for more than just a scorecard.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the India A tri-series in Sri Lanka start?
The tri-series begins on 9 June at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, with India A opening against Sri Lanka A. The final is scheduled for 21 June.
Who is captaining India A in the Sri Lanka tri-series?
Tilak Varma is captaining India A, with Ruturaj Gaikwad serving as vice-captain after Riyan Parag was ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
Why was Riyan Parag not included in the India A squad?
Riyan Parag was ruled out due to a hamstring injury reportedly sustained during IPL 2026 while leading Rajasthan Royals. He is undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Which teams are participating in the Dambulla tri-series?
The three teams are India A, Sri Lanka A (hosts), and Afghanistan A. All matches are being played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium.
Who are the coaches of India A for the Sri Lanka tri-series?
According to reports, the coaching panel consists of Hrishikesh Kanitkar, Sunil Joshi, Lakshmipathy Balaji, and Shubhadeep Ghosh for the duration of the tour.
