India, Sept. 13 -- Top-order batter Devdutt Padikkal says the opportunity to captain India A is a fine "learning experience" and believes that it will have a positive influence on his batting ahead of the upcoming tour to New Zealand.

Padikkal will lead India A against Australia in two red-ball games at Puducherry from September 22.

"It's a great opportunity to be captain of India A. I'm looking forward to it. I think leadership is something that I really enjoy doing, especially starting off with Karnataka last year," Padikkal told select media. "It was a great learning curve for me, so I'm really looking forward to carrying that experience to India A as well," he added.

Padikkal has proved that that leadership role sits lightly on his...