Lucknow: After a quiet IPL season, Lucknow leg spinner Zeeshan Ansari has been named for India ‘A’ squad for the 2026 multi-day match series in Sri Lanka, marking a significant step in his red-ball rise.Ansari made his IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2025 after grabbing attention by finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the inaugural UP T20 League, picking up 24 wickets in 12 matches at an economy rate of 7.60.He went on to take six wickets in 10 matches in his debut IPL season. However, he struggled for opportunities in IPL 2026.Much was expected this season too as Ansari had a massive impact in the 2025-26 edition of the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy, taking 21 wickets in eight matches at an average of 16.52, but it didn’t turn out that way. Ansari was benched throughout the season with SRH finishing third in the league phase.In first-class cricket for Uttar Pradesh, Ansari has taken 17 wickets in five matches. He also had a solid UP T20 League 2025 campaign, finishing with 15 wickets in 13 matches.Following his IPL season, Ansari was roped in by the BCCI as a net bowler for the India vs Afghanistan Test match, where he impressed during training sessions.“I am happy to hear the news. Currently, I am with the Indian team as a net bowler. I have come for Ghaziabad Premier League where I will play 2-3 matches. Then, I will move to Lucknow for practice session and play multi-day matches, and later join India camp,” Ansari said.Ansari said he received guidance on red-ball bowling from India bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule. “He guided me about red ball, and how to deliver in the right areas,” he said.His coach Gopal Singh said the call-up was well deserved. “I am happy for Zeeshan. He is deserving and it’s a proud moment for us,” he said.
