Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the India A squads for the upcoming multi-day (red-ball) and One-Day International (ODI) home series against Australia A. The highly anticipated bilateral contest is scheduled to commence on September 22, with all matches set to be hosted in Puducherry.
The comprehensive tour will begin with two multi-day matches, followed by a three-match ODI series. Taking a strategic developmental approach, the national selectors have appointed different captains for the two formats to evaluate and groom future leadership potential.
For the two-match red-ball series, promising top-order batter Devdutt Padikkal has been handed the captaincy, with Sai Sudharsan stepping up as his deputy. Meanwhile, the three-match white-ball leg will see Ruturaj Gaikwad taking charge of the team as captain, with Padikkal assuming the role of vice-captain.
The biggest talking point from the squad announcement is the inclusion of star all-rounder Hardik Pandya in the one-day setup. However, the BCCI has clarified in its statement that the participation of both Pandya and fast bowler Vijaykumar Vyshak remains strictly subject to fitness clearance. Both players will be required to pass rigorous fitness tests before taking the field.
The upcoming series is expected to serve as a crucial platform for fringe players and consistent domestic performers to showcase their mettle against a formidable Australian A side, keeping an eye on future national team selections.
India A Squad For Multi-Day (Red-Ball) Series: Aman Mokhade, Ayush Pandey, Devdutt Padikkal (Captain), Sai Sudharsan (Vice-Captain), Yash Rathod, Shaik Rasheed, Kumar Kushagra (Wicketkeeper), Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Tushar Deshpande, Anshul Kamboj, Prafull Hinge, N Jagadeesan (Wicketkeeper), Nachiket Bhute, and Vijaykumar Vyshak*.
India A Squad For ODI Series: Priyansh Arya, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal (Vice-Captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad (Captain), Rajat Patidar, Kumar Kushagra (Wicketkeeper), Nishant Sindhu, Vipraj Nigam, Arshin Kulkarni, Arshad Khan, Naman Dhir, Hardik Pandya*, Prabhsimran Singh (Wicketkeeper), Gurjapneet Singh, and Yash Thakur.