IPL 2026 speedster to join India A squad for ongoing Tri-Nation A Series in Sri Lanka
(Courtesy : BCCI/IPL)
The speedster replaces injured Yudhvir Singh for the remainder of the Tri-Series.
On Monday, India A suffered their second successive defeat in the ongoing Tri-Nation A Series in Sri Lanka. They suffered a defeat in the Super Over against Sri Lanka A. That defeat has left them with no choice but to win their final group game.
They will face Afghanistan A on Wednesday at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. Meanwhile, big news is coming from the India A camp, as speedster Ashok Sharma is all set to join the team ahead of the game on Wednesday.
Ashok made headlines after bowling one of the fastest balls by an Indian in the recently concluded Indian Premier League 2026. He clocked a speed of 154.2 km/h in a game against Rajasthan Royals. He was impressive in his debut season for the Gujarat Titans.
The 23-year-old will travel to Colombo on Tuesday and will join the India A squad in Dambulla, where the Tri-Nation A Series is underway. Ashok’s inclusion is likely to address the issue that India A are facing in their pace bowling department.
Ashok Sharma is all set to join the India A squad in Sri Lanka
The Rajasthan-born pacer made a name for himself after bowling consistently at a speed of 145 km/h or above at the domestic level. He was picked by Kolkata Knight Riders in 2022 for INR 55 lakhs. But he didn’t get a game with the franchise and was released later on.
In 2025, Rajasthan Royals signed him for INR 30 lakhs. But unfortunately, he didn’t get a game with them either and was released. Then in 2026, the Gujarat Titans signed him for INR 90 lakhs, and he played six matches for them, picking up six wickets.
He also bowled the second-fastest delivery of the season, which caught the attention of the world. Known for his raw pace, Ashok can bowl at different stages of the game. He has played seven List A games and taken 13 wickets with a best of 5/58.
Just a day earlier, he switched from Rajasthan to Gujarat on the domestic circuit, and now he has earned his maiden India A call-up. The Tilak Varma-led India A are in dire need of a win. Their last game will decide their survival in the Tri-Nation A Series.
On Monday, India suffered a close defeat after a tied game with Sri Lanka A. The match went to a super over, where India A lost by nine runs.
India A are struggling in their pace-bowling unit, having tried out Anshul Kamboj, Arshad Khan, and Yash Thakur. But all these have been expensive. Ashok will have a chance to showcase his skill set and impress the Indian selectors.
What was the fastest delivery by Ashok Sharma in IPL 2026?
Ashok Sharma clocked 154.2 km/h for GT, delivering the second-fastest ball in IPL 2026.
For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.
Karan Rawat is a seasoned cricket writer with a deep passion for the game and over 5 years of experience covering everything that the game can offer. He loves to share the analysis, match reports, and player profiles and tries to bring stories to life with a unique blend of statistics and storytelling. Whether breaking down Test match tactics or capturing the drama of a T20 thriller, Karan's work connects fans with the soul of the sport.