India's next generation arrives in Harare

India A arrived in Harare mid-morning on Saturday with a strong squad ahead of their two four-day matches against Zimbabwe Select in Harare and Bulawayo. The squad is a blend of the finest young crop in India and some fringe national team players.

Mohammad Kaif, the batsman who represented India at the 2003 World Cup, captains the side. Also touring are allrounder Irfan Pathan, batsman Robin Uthappa and pace bowler VRV Singh. The last two have played for the national team with some success but have not yet cemented their places. In all, seven of the squad have played for India.

The side is coached by Chandrakant Pandit, a former India international himself. Team manager TC Mathew said players in the side will soon be knocking hard on the India selectors' door. "The tour will definitely give us exposure," he said. "Many of these players are going to play for India. It is only a matter of time. The likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble are nearing the end of their prime. This team is the next India team."

Mathew said his team would give the Zimbabwe team tough competition, but said he also expects the home side to give back as much. "Zimbabwe are playing these games in preparation for returning to Test cricket so it is going to be good experience for you as well. The India board is always helping countries like Zimbabwe and Kenya and the Associate countries and will continue doing so."

After the Zimbabwe leg, the India second string side will proceed to Kenya for a tri-series with the hosts and Sri Lanka A.

India A squad Mohammad Kaif (capt), S Badrinath, Piyush Chawla, Yo Mahesh, Pragyan Ojha, Niraj Patel, Parthiv Patel, Irfan Pathan, Rajesh Pawar, Cheteshwar Pujara, Mahesh Rawat, Rohit Sharma, Pankaj Singh, VRV Singh, Robin Uthappa, Arjun Yadav