There is so much of cricket happening that the India A tour of South Africa and India tour of Sri Lanka coincide. Karun Nair and Abhinav Mukund have been named in the India A squad and it has been speculated that the possibility of them being part of the senior team is ruled out.
Mukund has been named in the squad for the two four-day games while Nair has been included in both the squads- four-day games as well as one-day series involving Australia A and South Africa A. However, Speaking to Sportstar , Prasad said, “Karun and Abhinav were chosen in the India ‘A’ sides keeping in mind the needs of that team. “But they are by no means ruled out of the Indian team’s tour of Sri Lanka. We will be picking the squad only on July 11 and in case any of them is picked, he will be replaced in the India ‘A’ team. It’s simple.”
This brings back hopes for the two. Karun Nair, not long ago, became the second Indian to score a test triple hundred. Abhinav is yet to make a mark in the Indian test side. Prasad further said that the selection panel is awaiting the fitness report of openers KL Rahul and Murali Vijay.
Prasad also seemed to back senior players like Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni. When asked about them, ” Every player has a right to play as long as he is fit, has the hunger, and is performing. But it is up to the selectors to decide what is good for the team in the long run,” he said.
The first test between India and Sri Lanka is set to begin on July 26 . The tri-series at South Africa also begins on the same day.