Shikhar Mohan Joins India A Squad for Last Two Four-Day Matches Against New Zealand A
Jharkhand's batting sensation Shikhar Mohan, aged 21 and born in May 2005, has earned a spot in the India A squad for the remaining two four-day matches against New Zealand A, with his first game commencing on October 31.
Promising Jharkhand batter Shikhar Mohan, aged 21, is set to join the India A squad in New Zealand, linking up with the team for the final two four-day matches of their series against New Zealand A. The call-up, confirmed today, October 23, 2026, comes as a reward for Mohan's exceptional form in the ongoing domestic season and offers him a crucial opportunity on the international A circuit. Rishabh Pant Ruled Out of First Two India A vs New Zealand A Matches, Kumar Kushagra Named Replacement.
Mohan, born in May 2005, will integrate with the Dhruv Jurel-led India A side from the second unofficial Test, which commences on October 31 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. His inclusion also aligns with the ongoing senior India team's white-ball tour of New Zealand, which may see some player movements between the squads.
Shikhar Mohan's Prolific Domestic Run
Shikhar Mohan has been a standout performer in Indian domestic cricket. He recently made headlines as the first centurion of the Ranji Trophy 2026-27 season, smashing 143 runs against Kerala. He followed this up with another impressive knock of 127 against Maharashtra in the second round of the competition. His remarkable Duleep Trophy 2026 final performance for East Zone against South Zone saw him score twin fifties (85 and 52), playing a pivotal role in his team's title triumph. Earlier this month, he also contributed a crucial 60 runs for Rest of India in their Irani Cup victory against Jammu and Kashmir. Mohan's maiden Ranji Trophy season in 2025-26 also yielded 613 runs, underscoring his consistency.
India A vs New Zealand A Series Schedule
The three-match four-day series is running concurrently with the senior Indian team's extensive tour of New Zealand, which includes five T20Is, five ODIs, and two Tests. India A's red-ball campaign provides vital exposure for emerging talent. India vs New Zealand 2026 Series Full Schedule and Time Table.
Here is the full schedule for the India A vs New Zealand A four-day series:
| Match | Dates | Venue | Start Time (NZDT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Unofficial Test | Oct 24 - Oct 27, 2026 | Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln | 3:00 AM |
| 2nd Unofficial Test | Oct 31 - Nov 3, 2026 | Hagley Oval, Christchurch | 3:00 AM |
| 3rd Unofficial Test | Nov 7 - Nov 10, 2026 | Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln | 3:00 AM |
Note: Start times are daily for each day of the match.
Impact on Squad Dynamics
Mohan's arrival adds significant depth to the India A batting lineup, which already features talents like captain Dhruv Jurel and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Jurel, 25, has been in excellent form himself, recently captaining India A to a series win against Sri Lanka A and scoring a maiden Test century outside India. The India A tour serves as a crucial platform for players to press their claims for senior team selection, especially with the Test series against New Zealand commencing on November 19.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 23, 2026 11:35 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).