Sandhu, who was awarded the prestigious Steve Waugh Medal as the state's best cricketer in his rookie 2012-13 season, was selected alongside fellow Blues Ryan Carters and Josh Lalor in the squad. Lawson believed the experience against the tourists would be vital for the development of the talented 21-year-old, who is of Indian heritage.

"It will be a great test for Gurinder," Lawson said of the two-day game that starts at Adelaide's Glenelg Oval on November 24. "Touring sides like to bat for long times in those games, the wickets will be flat and he'll get his chance to take on quality batsmen.

"He was in the development squad over the winter and played [for Australia A] in Darwin and Townsville, so he's been recognised as a player of 'national interest'. Based on that, Gurinder's selection [for the CA XI] wasn't out of the blue, but playing against India will be another chance for him to find out exactly where he's at.

"Gurinder is 6 feet 5 [inches] and he hits the wicket hard, he keeps the seam up, he swings the new ball, he's pretty good with reverse swing, he bowls with good control and has good changes of pace. He's not a particularly fast bowler but he uses his height very well ... he has plenty of natural tools but the more first-class cricket he plays the better he'll get."

Lawson, who took 180 Test wickets between 1980-89 for Australia, said an impressive trait was Sandhu's willingness to discuss his game and take on board ideas, but he also added that the bowler possessed an unorthodox streak.

"He's a good 'discusser', he always thinks about the game," Lawson said. "He has a thousand theories and one of those is he should bowl off-breaks during a game because he fancies himself as an off-spinner."

Sandhu learnt his cricket by playing in the backyard of the family home in Sydney's western suburbs with his father Iqbal, who migrated to Australia 32 years ago, and younger brother Harmon, who is making his name in grade cricket.

He told Fairfax Media he agreed with Lawson's view that he would learn more about himself as a first-class player by taking on the Indians.

"It's a test for myself, to see where I am at with my bowling," he said of the selection. "I might realise there are a few areas I need to work on, be it consistency or on certain plans I have to get people out. Hopefully I get a few wickets and don't get carted around the field.

"Fast bowling. I don't think it is ever easy but along the way I've tried to learn whatever I can from people like Geoff Lawson, Troy Cooley, Craig McDermott and Trent Johnston at Cricket NSW. They've all helped and the members of the NSW squad have also been generous with their knowledge and insights.

"It's great to be able to talk to a Mitchell Starc, or any of the guys who have that international experience, about what ball I should bowl next."

Sandhu said it was his duty, and that of his CA XI teammates, to ensure the Indian squad started their tour of Australia on the back foot.

"The opportunity to represent my country at any level is a pleasure and a privilege," he said. "While I'm not the captain, I imagine we'll go out to get a win under our belt. It'd be nice to get a win and to upset India's early tour preparations."