Some senior Test specialists might head to South Africa early to join India 'A' for their three-match tour of the country, serving as preparation for the crucial two-match Test series starting on December 26.
The BCCI has always organised 'A' team tours to countries where the senior team is scheduled to play Test matches. However, after last year's Bangladesh series, these tours, including A-team tours and U-19 series, were put on hold due to the focus on the ODI World Cup.
Nevertheless, domestic performers will have an opportunity to exhibit their skills, with five or six 'A' games scheduled in the first-class format between December and January. The upcoming itinerary includes three four-day games against South Africa 'A' next month and an additional two to three matches against England Lions (England 'A') in January, just before India's significant five-match series against the senior English team.
According to a BCCI source who spoke to PTI anonymously, the squad for the upcoming fixtures will soon be announced. It's anticipated that consistent young performers such as Abhimanyu Easwaran, B Sai Sudharsan, Yash Dhull, Kona Bharat, Upendra Yadav, and Saurabh Kumar will be part of the selection. Moreover, consideration might be given to seniors like Ajinkya Rahane, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Jaydev Unadkat to play at least one four-day game as preparation for the challenges in Africa.
There's also speculation about Test discard Jayant Yadav and Services off-spinner Pulkit Narang, both red-ball off-spinners frequently called up for India nets during Test series.
In the fast bowling department, emerging talents like Vidwath Kaverappa, Kuldeep Sen, Harshit Rana, and Umran Malik could contend for spots alongside experienced campaigners like Navdeep Saini.
Mayank Agarwal, the leading run-scorer in the previous Ranji Trophy season, faces competition from the likes of Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill for a potential recall, presenting an intriguing selection dilemma.