Indian opener Ruturaj Gaikwad will lead the Indian A squad in the upcoming tour to Australia later this month.

He is now emerging as a strong contender for the role of reserve opener during India's five-Test series against Australia next month.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma is likely to miss one of the first two Tests due to personal reasons.

Indian selectors also named  Abhimanyu Easwaran and  Sai Sudharsan in the 15-men squad who are also considered key contenders for the opener post.

Easwaran has been named Gaekwad's deputy.

Gaikwad-led India A will face Australia A in two four-day matches in Mackay from October 31 to November 3 and in Melbourne from November 7 to 10.

The Indian team will also play a warm-up match in Perth from November 15 to 17.

The first India-Australia Test begins on November 22.

Wicket-keeper Ishan Kishan, who lost his central contract earlier this year, has been named in the team.

India A squad for the tour of Australia: Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Abhimanyu Easwaran (VC), Sai Sudharsan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Devdutt Padikkal, Ricky Bhui, Baba Indrajith, Ishan Kishan (WK), Abishek Porel (WK), Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, Yash Dayal, Navdeep Saini, Manav Suthar, Tanush Kotian