Devdutt Padikkal’s red-hot form and the arrival of experienced pacer Mohammed Siraj will be in focus as India A look to tame New Zealand A in the second unofficial four-day Test beginning on Saturday. Padikkal has been India’s standout performer so far, producing a remarkable comeback in the opening game. He also chipped in with two wickets to expose the opposition’s lower order.
With India’s two-Test series against New Zealand starting on November 19, the unofficial four-day matches provide senior players an ideal opportunity to fine-tune their preparations. After India A were bowled out for just 113 in 39.3 overs in their first innings, the stylish left-hander struck a magnificent 199 to help the visitors post 516 in their second innings and set New Zealand A a target of 313.
Rahul has since joined the ODI squad and will miss the second match. All-rounder Washington Sundar, however, offered some resistance with a half-century in the second innings. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal endured a disappointing outing with scores of 17 and five, while KL Rahul managed just zero and four. His replacement, 21-year-old Jharkhand left-hander Shikhar Mohan, will have an opportunity to impress after a strong Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season in which he scored 613 runs, including a double century. Sai Sudharsan bounced back from a first-innings duck to score 91 in the second innings, while captain Dhruv Jurel struggled with scores of one and two.
Among the bowlers, Auqib Nabi has led the attack with six wickets, three in each innings. Nabi and Anshul Kamboj claimed three wickets apiece in the first innings, while Akash Deep, who is part of India’s Test squad, also picked up three wickets. India A came close to victory in the opening match, but bad light and a determined New Zealand A batting effort denied them the final breakthrough. Siraj’s inclusion will further strengthen the pace attack as he looks to build rhythm and increase his red-ball workload ahead of India’s upcoming World Test Championship series, where he is expected to partner Jasprit Bumrah.
Captain Rhys Mariu top-scored with 76 in the first innings, while Curtis Heaphy impressed with scores of 44 and 90. Dean Foxcroft also contributed 51 and 42.
