Patna: In a historic first for Bihar cricket, three players from the state — Ishan Kishan, Akash Deep, and Mukesh Kumar — have been selected together for the India A squad’s upcoming tour of England, marking a significant moment of pride and progress for the region.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squad for the two-match red-ball tour on Sunday. The four-day fixtures are scheduled from May 30 to June 2 and June 6 to 9, with a practice match against the Indian senior team also on the cards. The tour offers a critical platform for emerging talent to stake their claim for the national side.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan’s inclusion signals a potential turning point in his career. Out of the Indian squad for several months and excluded from the BCCI’s 2023–24 central contracts list, Kishan had taken a break from cricket citing mental fatigue. However, his aggressive 106-run knock in the opening match of IPL 2024 appears to have reignited selectors’ interest.
Pace bowler Akash Deep, who made an impressive Test debut against England earlier this year by picking up three wickets, also finds a place in the squad. Mukesh Kumar, known for his steady performances across all three formats during India’s West Indies tour, rounds out Bihar’s trio. Both bowlers are currently contracted under BCCI’s Grade C category, earning Rs 1 crore annually.
Their collective inclusion in a high-profile India A squad is being seen as a testament to Bihar’s growing cricketing credentials and the perseverance of players emerging from limited infrastructural resources. Cricket analysts say it sends a powerful message to aspiring cricketers across the state.
“This is not just a selection — it’s a milestone,” said a Bihar Cricket Association official. “It reflects the hard work of the players and the changing landscape of Bihar cricket.”
The full India A squad, led by Abhimanyu Easwaran and featuring a mix of experienced and emerging names such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Shardul Thakur and Sarfaraz Khan, is set to provide a competitive edge during the English summer.
