Young batting talent Prithvi Shaw has recovered from injury to link up with India A for the tour of New Zealand.
The 20-year-old is keen to work his way back into the first-team picture and will use the chance to stake his claim for a spot in the senior tour at the end of January.
Shaw was in doubt after injuring his shoulder while playing in the Ranji Trophy.
However, he has since had rehabilitation at the National Cricket Association and is back batting in the nets.
India A will contest a three-match one-day series and two four-day fixtures. The senior team are then due to play the first of two Test matches in New Zealand on February 21. The game in Wellington comes 11 days after the A tour and gives Shaw the perfect chance to put himself forward.
Before India’s senior players turn their attention to the series against the Black Caps, they must first finish their home ODI battle with Australia.
Good news for Shaw but not for Pandya
Shaw bagged a century on his senior debut against the West Indies but has only featured once since then.
He will be looking to make up for lost time in New Zealand.
However, one man that hasn’t been able to overcome an injury in time for the India A tour is Hardik Pandya.
The 26-year-old is not fully fit following back surgery but is determined to recover properly.
“People have scared me and how, saying that back surgery is this serious, back surgery will finish this, it is very difficult and all. Then I now felt this is a little scary. But then I was like I can't go because someone else had a problem after surgery,” he told India Today.
“I am a different individual, I have a different body type, I have a different work ethic. I know I am going to make a strong comeback and I am going to do the exact right thing which I am supposed to do to make sure my back does not get more hampered.”
