Ruturaj Gaikwad replaces the injured Riyan Parag in the India team for the Sri Lanka tri-series

Indian batter Ruturaj Gaikwad (PTI Photo) Ruturaj Gaikwad has earned a return to the India A squad 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 sidelined with a hamstring injury and will now undergo rehabilitation under the supervision of the BCCI Center of Excellence.The selection offers Gaikwad an immediate opportunity to restore momentum after a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign. Despite leading Chennai Super Kings, the opener struggled to his usual effect, scoring 337 runs at an average of 28.08 and a strike rate of 123.44.However, the India A selectors showed faith in his ability by not only bringing him into the team but also appointing him as vice-captain alongside skipper Tilak Varma. The tour could prove crucial for Gaikwad as he looks to make his case for future opportunities in the national team.Updated India 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, Anshvirhprajh), Yushvirh Sprajing Kamboj, Arshad Khan, Anukul Roy,The tri-series will feature India A, Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A. All the white-ball matches will be played in Dambulla before the tour moves to Galle for two multi-day matches against Sri Lanka A. The line-up for these red-ball matches will be announced separately.For Gaikwad, the tour represents more than just another India A assignment. After a tough IPL season, it offers a valuable chance to rediscover form, lead from the front and remind selectors why he remains one of India’s top-rated batsmen.