The “India vs India A” simulation match, held in November 2024, saw players from both teams engaging in a highly competitive scenario as they prepared for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. The match, which took place at the Western Australia Cricket Association (WACA) ground, featured a mix of established stars and emerging players showcasing their skills ahead of the crucial series.
In the early stages of the simulation, key players like Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul were observed refining their skills. Kohli, despite some discomfort early on, managed to settle into his rhythm, while Pant exhibited his characteristic aggression. Shubman Gill was notably absent after a thumb injury sustained while fielding, casting some uncertainty over his availability for the first Test.
On the batting front, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill were impressive, with Jaiswal looking particularly comfortable against short-pitched deliveries. Gill, though less fluent, contributed a steady 42 not out, while Ruturaj Gaikwad gained attention for his confident approach against top bowlers like Ravichandran Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah.
KL Rahul, recovering from an injury to his elbow, was expected to be fit for the upcoming match, offering a boost to India’s batting lineup. The India A team, though less tested, provided valuable experience in such simulation settings, which allowed selectors to evaluate India’s preparations for the high-stakes series.
As the match continues, discussions about potential replacements for injured players like Gill and the absence of Rohit Sharma (due to personal reasons) have made this internal simulation an important phase in finalizing India’s squad for the Perth Test.