India ‘A’ To Tour South Africa In June 2017
Dec 15, 2016 at 10:05 AM
India A team is set to tour South Africa next year in June, the same time when the senior team will be defending their Champions Trophy title in England. It’ll be a good opportunity for youngsters such as Rishabh Pant, Priyank Panchal, Ishan Kishan to make their mark and take a step ahead in their career. But there is also a slight possibility of any of these youngsters making it to the Indian team before that tour. Also, India A team is expected also have some players from the Indian Premier League (IPL), who could rise to prominence in the 10th edition of the league.
“Yes, India A’s tour of South Africa in the month of June, next year has been finalised. This is a part of BCCI promoting more A tours to get the talented India aspirants battle ready. The conditions there will test the quality of batsmanship,” a senior BCCI office-bearer told PTI.
“The A tours give an ideal opportunity to the performers in domestic cricket to showcase their talent. Look at the likes of Priyanka Panchal, who has scored over 1000 runs or youngsters like Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan who have caught the attention — the selectors will get a chance to test if they are ready for the next level or not,” the BCCI source added.
The last time India A toured South Africa, senior pros like Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina were also part of the team. It was the same tour when Dhawan smashed 248 at Pretoria. India A won the Tri-Series which also included Australia A.
Last year as well, India A and South Africa A met in a Tri-Series where Australia A was the third team. India A again played Australia A in the final and clinched the trophy. The tour was quite (un)famous as 10 South African players were hospitalised due to food poisoning.