India, Aug. 10 -- The India A team is often considered a gateway to the senior national side. It does not guarantee selection, but it does indicate that a player is firmly within the selectors' scheme of things. And when an opening arises in the senior team, a strong performance for India A, or in the tour games preceding an international series, can often strengthen a player's case for a place in the Indian dressing room.

But what happens when India A itself fails to provide a clear alternative when an opening suddenly emerges? Sarfaraz Khan, as things reportedly stand, was the answer to that question ahead of India's upcoming Test series in Sri Lanka.

A spate of injuries in the Indian squad opened up a spot after No. 3 batter Sai Sudh...