The Board of Control for Cricket in India has officially released the India A squads for the upcoming home series against Australia A, scheduled to take place in Puducherry. The major highlight of the selection is the inclusion of 33-year-old star all-rounder Hardik Pandya in the white-ball setup, subject to clearing match fitness tests. Meanwhile, promising Karnataka left-handed opening batter Devdutt Padikkal has been appointed captain of the multi-day red-ball squad, while Maharashtra's Ruturaj Gaikwad will lead the one-day side.
Hardik Pandya Set for Competitive Cricket Return
Experienced Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is gearing up to return to competitive cricket action after a extended break. The 33-year-old cricketer was last seen on the field during IPL 2026. Selectors have drafted him into the 15-member India A squad for the upcoming three-match one-day series against Australia A in October. However, his actual participation in the matches remains contingent on passing requisite fitness assessments. Both the selectors and medical staff will closely evaluate his workload and physical condition throughout the series.
Devdutt Padikkal and Ruturaj Gaikwad Handed Leadership Roles
The selection panel has placed strong confidence in young leadership by entrusting Devdutt Padikkal with the captaincy for the two unofficial Test matches in Puducherry. Padikkal earned this promotion following a remarkable run of form, notably slamming back-to-back centuries during the tour of Sri Lanka last month. Recognizing his consistency, the selectors have also named him vice-captain for the ODI series, where he will support captain Ruturaj Gaikwad in guiding the squad.
B Sai Sudharsan Returns to Red-Ball Squad Alongside Fresh Talent
Tamil Nadu left-handed batter B Sai Sudharsan makes his comeback to the multi-day format after missing the two-Test series in Sri Lanka due to an injury. Fully recovered, Sudharsan has been named vice-captain of the red-ball side under Padikkal. Alongside experienced domestic names, selectors have introduced several fresh performers from domestic circuits and the IPL. Andhra batter Sheikh Rasheed, Haryana fast bowler Anshul Kamboj, and Vidarbha pacer Praful Hinge have all been included in the red-ball squad. Hinge caught widespread attention during IPL 2026 with impressive bowling performances for Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Balanced White-Ball Unit with Heavy All-Round Depth
The 15-member ODI squad presents a well-rounded mix of aggressive top-order batters and versatile all-rounders. Beside skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and vice-captain Devdutt Padikkal, the batting unit features Rajat Patidar, dynamic openers Priyansh Arya and Naman Dhir, along with wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh. To bolster the bowling and all-round departments, the selectors have picked Haryana's Nishant Sindhu, UP leg-spinner Vipraj Nigam, young prodigy Arshin Kulkarni, Arshad Khan, Tamil Nadu pacer Gurjapneet Singh, and fast bowler Yash Thakur.
Complete India A Multi-Day (Red-Ball) Squad
The complete 15-player India A multi-day squad for the two unofficial Tests against Australia A is as follows
- Devdutt Padikkal (Captain)
- B Sai Sudharsan (Vice-Captain)
- Aman Mokhade
- Ayush Pandey
- Yash Rathod
- Sheikh Rasheed
- Kumar Kushagra (Wicketkeeper)
- Shams Mulani
- Tanush Kotian
- Tushar Deshpande
- Anshul Kamboj
- Praful Hinge
- N Jagadeesan (Wicketkeeper)
- Nachiket Bhute
- Vijaykumar Vyshak
Complete India A One-Day (White-Ball) Squad
The complete 15-player India A squad for the three-match ODI series is as follows
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (Captain)
- Devdutt Padikkal (Vice-Captain)
- Priyansh Arya
- B Sai Sudharsan
- Rajat Patidar
- Kumar Kushagra (Wicketkeeper)
- Nishant Sindhu
- Vipraj Nigam
- Arshin Kulkarni
- Arshad Khan
- Naman Dhir
- Hardik Pandya (Subject to fitness)
- Prabhsimran Singh (Wicketkeeper)
- Gurjapneet Singh
- Yash Thakur
Complete Schedule and Venue Details for Puducherry Tour
The entire tour between India A and Australia A will be staged across cricket grounds in Puducherry. Action commences with the red-ball fixtures, starting with the first four-day unofficial Test from September 22 to September 25. The second four-day game will take place from September 29 to October 2. Following the red-ball leg, the three-match ODI series will begin on October 6, followed by the second ODI on October 9 and the final match on October 11. This series offers domestic standouts an opportunity to press for senior national selection while giving Hardik Pandya a platform to prove his international readiness.
