In a major squad shuffle ahead of the crucial three-match one-day series against Australia A, Mumbai batting all-rounder Suryansh Shedge has been called up to replace the injured Hardik Pandya in the India A squad.
The three unofficial ODIs are scheduled to take place in Puducherry from October 6 to October 11, with Ruturaj Gaikwad leading the home side.
Suryansh Shedge Steps Up After CoE Clearance
Shedge, who earned his international debut in June 2026 during a T20I against Ireland in Belfast, received the green light after undergoing fitness assessments at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. With the medical team clearing him for action, Shedge joined the squad in Puducherry ahead of the series opener.
Due to his national duty, Shedge will miss Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy opener against Chandigarh, which begins on October 11 at the Wankhede Stadium.
Hardik Pandya, who last featured in competitive cricket during IPL 2026, was initially named in the squad last month but remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from injury.
Naman Dhir Called Up to Senior T20I Squad
In another significant dynamic shift, Naman Dhir will also miss the Australia A series. Dhir was drafted into India’s senior T20I squad for the upcoming five-match series against the West Indies as a replacement for Washington Sundar.
Sundar has been released from the T20I setup to represent Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy, allowing him to gain vital red-ball match practice before India’s all-format tour of New Zealand later this month.
India A Squad & Series Expectations
Under the leadership of Ruturaj Gaikwad and vice-captain Devdutt Padikkal, India A boasts a high-powered squad featuring top domestic talent and young international prospects:
| Role | Key Players |
| Leadership | Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Devdutt Padikkal (VC) |
| Batting | B Sai Sudharsan, Rajat Patidar, Priyansh Arya |
| All-rounders & Spin | Suryansh Shedge, Nishant Sindhu, Vipraj Nigam, Arshin Kulkarni |
| Wicketkeepers | Kumar Kushagra, Prabhsimran Singh |
| Pace Attack | Arshad Khan, Gurjapneet Singh, Yash Thakur |
With spots open for the senior side’s future assignments, this series serves as a major testing ground for India’s emerging stars against a formidable Australian side.
