Shikhar Mohan Added to India A Squad for Final Two Red‑Ball Tests vs New Zealand A

Summary

Shikhar Mohan, the 21‑year‑old Jharkhand batsman who has hit back‑to‑back centuries in the Ranji Trophy and played a key role in East Zone’s Duleep Trophy triumph, has been named in the India A squad for the last two four‑day matches against New Zealand A.

Details

• Player added: Shikhar Mohan (Jharkhand) – called up for the final two fixtures of the three‑match series.
• Series: India A vs New Zealand A – red‑ball (four‑day) matches.
• Match schedule:
• 1st Test: 26 Oct 2026, Lincoln, New Zealand (already announced, Mohan not in squad).
• 2nd Test: 2 Nov 2026, Christchurch, New Zealand – Mohan included.
• 3rd Test: 9 Nov 2026, Lincoln, New Zealand – Mohan included.
• Team context: He will join established Test‑level players such as KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel (captain‑wk), Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan.
• Recent form:
• Ranji Trophy: centuries in consecutive innings against Kerala and Maharashtra.
• Duleep Trophy final: twin half‑centuries that helped East Zone lift the title.
• Irani Cup: 60 runs for Rest of India against Jammu & Kashmir.
• Source confirmation: The announcement appears on Sportstar (The Hindu) and is corroborated by PTI reports.

Practical implications

• Selection rationale: Mohan’s domestic run suggests the selectors are rewarding consistent performance and giving him exposure ahead of potential senior‑team consideration.
• How to verify: Check the official Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) press release or the India A squad list on the BCCI website; the Sportstar article links to the original PTI wire.
• Impact on the series: With India A already holding a lead after the first match, Mohan’s inclusion could strengthen the middle order for the remaining games.

What remains unknown

• Whether Mohan will retain his place for any future India A tours beyond this series.
• Final playing XI for the 2nd and 3rd Tests, which will be announced closer to each match date.

--- *All information is drawn from the cited Sportstar article and PTI wire; no speculative details have been added.*