Gaikwad Replaces Parag in India A Squad for Sri Lanka Tri-Series

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-06-01

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on May 31 that Ruturaj Gaikwad has been named as Riyan Parag's replacement in the India A squad for the upcoming 50-over tri-series in Sri Lanka. The series also involves Afghanistan A and hosts Sri Lanka A, with all matches scheduled at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. Parag has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury that troubled him through the later stages of IPL 2026. He will undergo rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Along with stepping into the squad, Gaikwad also takes over the vice-captain's role that was originally assigned to Parag. ### Why Riyan Parag Is Out Parag had been carrying the hamstring problem for a significant part of his IPL 2026 campaign with Rajasthan Royals. He missed a couple of matches during the tournament because of the injury. Despite the physical setback, he led Rajasthan Royals to the playoffs, where they lost to Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2 in New Chandigarh. The BCCI confirmed his rehabilitation will be handled by medical staff at the Centre of Excellence, with no immediate timeline given for his return. It's a tough break for a player who showed real grit this season.  ### Gaikwad Steps In as Vice-Captain Tilak Varma continues as captain of the India A side, with Gaikwad now named as his deputy. Gaikwad's IPL 2026 season with Chennai Super Kings was a difficult one. He scored 337 runs in 14 matches at an average of 28.08 and a strike rate of 123.44 as Chennai finished eighth on the points table. However, his 50-over record tells a different story. In November 2025, Gaikwad scored the highest runs in the one-day series against South Africa. He accumulated 210 runs across three matches and earned the Player of the Series award. He followed that up with a strong showing in the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring 413 runs for Maharashtra at an average of 82.60 and a strike rate of 115.04. Those numbers made him a straightforward choice to fill the vacancy left by Parag. ### What This Means for India A This switch gives India A a solid top-order batsman with proven form in longer formats. Gaikwad's experience in pressure situations could be key, especially against competitive sides like Afghanistan A and Sri Lanka A. You can bet the team management is breathing a little easier knowing they have someone who's been there before. ### Tri-Series Schedule and Venue India A open their tri-series campaign against Sri Lanka A in Dambulla on June 9. Each team will face the other sides twice during the group stage before the final, which is set for June 21. All fixtures will be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. The venue is known for its batting-friendly pitches, so expect some high scores. ### Full India A Squad - Tilak Varma (capt), Ruturaj Gaikwad (vice-capt) - 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, Anukul Roy The India A squad carries a mix of young talent and experienced domestic performers. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who won the Orange Cap, MVP, and Emerging Player awards in IPL 2026, is part of the setup alongside Priyansh Arya, Ayush Badoni, Nishant Sindhu, and Suryansh Shedge. The wicketkeeping duties will be shared between Prabhsimran Singh and Kumar Kushagra. The bowling attack includes Vipraj Nigam, Yash Thakur, Yudhvir Singh, Anshul Kamboj, Arshad Khan, and Anukul Roy. ### Key Players to Watch Keep an eye on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who's coming off a phenomenal IPL season. His ability to score quickly could be a game-changer in the middle overs. Also, watch for Yash Thakur's pace bowling, which could trouble batsmen on Dambulla's slow tracks. For more cricket news and updates, follow JeetWin Blog.