India A vs NZ 2022: 1st Test Predicted Playing 11 for Both Teams

Priyank Panchal to lead as we look at the best predicted playing 11 for both the teams for the India A vs NZ A 1st Test 2022. 

November 2021 was the last time India A played together. It was India A’s tour to South Africa ahead of the Senior’s team Test series. The 3-match series was a drawn affair, but it gave a glimpse into the kind of talent India has. 8 months since, India A would once again be seen in action, but now at home. New Zealand A would be touring India starting September 1 for the 3-match Test Series and 3-match ODI series.

For Team India, a lot of players, who are also a part of the Senior Mean’s team will be under focus for the New Zealand A series. This includes the likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad, KS Bharat, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, and Umran Malik. Having said that, what could be the best predicted playing 11 India A vs New Zealand (NZ) A 1st Test 2022? Let’s find out in this article.  

India A vs NZ A 2022 – Official Test Series Squad for Team India: 

Batters: Abhimanyu Easwaran, Priyank Panchal (C), Rajat Patidar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sarfaraz Khan, Tilak Varma

WKs: KS Bharat (WK) & Upendra Yadav (WK)

All-rounders: Saurabh Kumar

Bowlers: Arzan Nagwaswalla, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Prasidh Krishna, Rahul Chahar, Umran Malik & Yash Dayal

Match Details:

Tournament: New Zealand A Tour of India 2022 

Type: Test Series – 1st Test 

Where: Bengaluru

When: Sep 1-4, 10 pm IST

Playing 11 for Both Teams:

India have selected a total of 16 members for the unofficial 4-day Test series vs New Zealand A. Led by Priyank Panchal, who shall be the primary opener, we should see Abhimanyu Easwaran as the second opener. Both these players have been in contention for the senior team, and will be in focus. 

For middle-order, India have four options, and they will have to select three. The options are Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, and Tilak Varma. Out of these four, Sarfaraz Khan and Ruturaj Gaikwad shall most probably get a place in the final 11. It would be a tough call between Rajat Patidar and Tilak Varma. But given Patidar’s experience, he could be given the preference. 

For lower-order, it is a straightforward selection with KS Bharat as the keeper and Saurabh Kumar as the spin all-rounder. KS Bharat has been a backup keeper in the senior team, and he will continue to be so until Rishabh Pant is there. Whereas Saurabh Kumar could be a good all-rounder to have at 7. India can also think of playing Tilak Varma at 6 and KS Bharat at 7 with 2 spinners and 2 pacers to follow. 

Coming to the bowlers, India have options in abundance. With 6 names in hand, India shall most-likely select 3 pacers and 1 spinner. 3 pacers should be important as the Bengaluru pitch mostly favours pace bowling. In terms of pacers, Prasidh Krishna, Umran Malik, and Arzan Nagwaswalla seem to be the front runner. Whereas for spin bowling, Kuldeep Yadav shall be the go-to man. 

India A vs NZ A 2022: 1st Test Predicted Playing 11 for India A

Abhimanyu Easwaran, Priyank Panchal (C), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, KS Bharat (WK), Saurabh Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arzan Nagwaswalla, Prasidh Krishna & Umran Malik

India A vs NZ A 2022: 1st Test Predicted Playing 11 for New Zealand A

Rachin Ravindra, Chad Bowes, Joe Carter, Tom Bruce (C), Robert O-Donnell, Cam Fletcher (WK), Mark Chapman, Michael Rippon, Sean Solia, Benjamin Lister & Jacob Duffy

So, that’s about the best predicted playing 11 for India A vs New Zealand 1st Test 2o22. The 3-match Test series will be a good opportunity before we see Australia and Bangladesh tour India in the last leg of the World Test Championship. 

Thanks for reading! What’s your playing 11 for India A for the 1st Test vs New Zealand (NZ)? Please email your comments to business@cricalytics.com

---

ALSO READ: T20 World Cup 2022: Best Predicted 15-member Squad for Team India

---

© AK4Tsay1 Cricalytics