Riyan Parag ruled out of India A tri‑series, Ruturaj Gaikwad named

Riyan Parag has been ruled out of the India A tri‑series in Sri Lanka after aggravating a hamstring injury sustained during the IPL 2026 season, and the BCCI has named Ruturaj Gaikwad as his replacement and new vice‑captain [1].

Key takeaways

• Parag’s hamstring injury forced him out of the upcoming India A tri‑series [2]
• Ruturaj Gaikwad joins the squad and assumes the vice‑captaincy role [1]
• Parag will undergo rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru [3]
• The tri‑series runs from June 9 to June 21, featuring India A, Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A [4]
• The selection committee also added all‑rounder Anukul Roy to the squad [4]

Injury sidelines Parag, Gaikwad steps in

The Men’s Selection Committee announced that Ruturaj Gaikwad has been added to the India A squad for the 50‑over tri‑series in Sri Lanka, replacing the vice‑captain Riyan Parag who is sidelined with a hamstring injury [1]. Gaikwad, who captains Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, will now serve as vice‑captain alongside captain Tilak Varma. The BCCI confirmed that Parag’s rehabilitation will be managed at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, where he will receive specialist care [2].

Parag, 24, sustained the injury while leading Rajasthan Royals in the latter stages of IPL 2026, missing two league matches and later playing through pain in the eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad [3]. He had previously stated he was “definitely not fit” but continued to play for the team’s sake. The board’s statement emphasized that while IPL franchises handle day‑to‑day injury management, the CoE monitors player workload and rehabilitation [2].

Squad updates and series schedule

The updated India A roster now includes Gaikwad as vice‑captain, along with players such as Priyansh Arya, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ayush Badoni and fast bowler Anshul Kamboj. An all‑rounder, Anukul Roy, was also added, replacing Harsh Dubey who was named in India’s Test and ODI squads for the Afghanistan series [4]. The tri‑series will be contested in Sri Lanka from June 9 to June 21, with India A facing Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A, followed by a Test and ODI series against Afghanistan from June 6 to June 20 [4].

Why it matters

Parag’s absence removes a versatile batting option and the designated vice‑captain from the India A side, prompting the BCCI to rely on Gaikwad’s experience at the top of the order. The move also highlights ongoing concerns about player workload in the IPL, as highlighted by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia’s comments on franchise responsibility for injury management [2]. The series offers a platform for emerging talents like Sooryavanshi and Gaikwad to stake claims for senior national selection, while the rehabilitation plan for Parag underscores the board’s commitment to long‑term player health. The upcoming matches will test the depth of India’s talent pool ahead of the senior team’s engagements later in the month.