Ruturaj Gaikwad replaces injured Riyan Parag in India A squad for Sri Lanka tri-series - The Times of India

Ruturaj Gaikwad has earned a return to the India A setup after being drafted into the squad for the upcoming tri-series in Sri Lanka. The right-hander comes in as a replacement for Riyan Parag, who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury and will now undergo rehabilitation under the supervision of the BCCI Centre of Excellence.The selection offers Gaikwad an immediate opportunity to rebuild momentum after a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign. Despite leading the Chennai Super Kings, the opener struggled to make his usual impact, scoring 337 runs at an average of 28.08 and a strike rate of 123.44.India A's selectors, however, have shown faith in his ability by not only bringing him into the squad but also naming him vice-captain alongside captain Tilak Varma. The tour could prove crucial for Gaikwad as he looks to push his case for future national-team opportunities.Updated India A squad for tri-series: Tilak Varma (Captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad (vice-captain), Priyansh Arya, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ayush Badoni, Nishant Sindhu, Suryansh Shedge, Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Kumar Kushagra (WK), Vipraj Nigam, Yash Thakur, Yudhvir Singh, Anshul Kamboj, Arshad Khan, Anukul Roy,The tri-series will feature India A, Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A. All white-ball matches will be played in Dambulla before the tour moves to Galle for two multi-day matches against Sri Lanka A. The squad for those red-ball fixtures will be announced separately.For Gaikwad, the tour represents more than just another India A assignment. After a difficult IPL season, it offers a valuable chance to rediscover form, lead from the front and remind selectors why he remains one of India's most highly rated batting prospects.Stay updated with the IPL 2026 Final between RCB and GT on Times of India. Follow live match updates, the latest IPL news, full IPL schedule, and the race for the Orange Cap and Purple Cap