The BCCI has announced India A‘s squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia A in Puducherry, with Ruturaj Gaikwad set to captain the side. The biggest talking point is the return of Hardik Pandya to a competitive squad, although his participation remains subject to fitness clearance.

Hardik Pandya returns to India A setup

Hardik has been included in India A’s one-day squad as he looks to make his way back to competitive cricket after an extended injury layoff. The all-rounder has not played competitive cricket since the 2026 Indian Premier League and has been working on his recovery at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.

Pandya’s recent fitness issues began with a back spasm before a quadriceps injury further disrupted his comeback plans. He was initially selected for India’s ODI squad for the home series against Afghanistan in June, but was subsequently ruled out after suffering another setback.

The India A assignment could provide Pandya with an important opportunity to regain match fitness ahead of the upcoming international commitments. His selection, however, is conditional on him receiving the necessary fitness clearance.

Ruturaj Gaikwad to captain the white-ball side

Gaikwad has been handed the captaincy for the three-match ODI series, while Devdutt Padikkal will serve as his deputy. The squad features a blend of established domestic performers and players pushing for greater recognition at the senior international level.

Gaikwad will have several familiar faces around him, including Rajat Patidar, Sai Sudharsan and Priyansh Arya. Kumar Kushagra and Prabhsimran Singh have been selected as the wicketkeeping options.

Nishant Sindhu, Vipraj Nigam and Arshin Kulkarni add further all-round depth, while the bowling group includes Arshad Khan, Gurjapneet Singh and Yash Thakur.

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India A series to take place in Puducherry

The Australia A tour will feature both multi-day and one-day cricket, with all the matches scheduled to be played in Puducherry between September 22 and October 11. Padikkal will lead the multi-day side, with Sai Sudharsan appointed vice-captain. Gaikwad will take charge of the white-ball team, with Padikkal serving as his deputy.

Fast bowler Vyshak Vijaykumar has also been included in the multi-day squad, subject to fitness. The multi-format nature of the series gives several players an opportunity to stake their claim for higher honours while also allowing returning players to build match rhythm.

India A one-Day squad: Priyansh Arya, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal (VC), Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Rajat Patidar, Kumar Kushagra (WK), Nishant Sindhu, Vipraj Nigam, Arshin Kulkarni, Arshad Khan, Naman Dhir, Hardik Pandya, Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Gurjapneet Singh, Yash Thakur

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