Suryansh Shedge replaces Hardik Pandya in India A squad
All-rounder Suryansh Shedge joins the India A squad for the Australia A ODI series in Puducherry as Hardik Pandya is ruled out due to injury.
The India A squad has undergone a significant shake-up ahead of the upcoming three-match one-day series against Australia A in Puducherry. All-rounder Suryansh Shedge has been drafted into the team to replace the injured Hardik Pandya.
Hardik Pandya ruled out due to injury
Hardik Pandya was originally named in the India A squad, contingent on him receiving fitness clearance. However, recent reports indicate that the star all-rounder has failed to overcome a fresh injury concern. Specifically, Pandya has reportedly struggled with persistent pain while bowling, which has extended his absence from competitive cricket. This setback follows his hiatus from action since an injury sustained during the IPL in May 2026. Notably, Pandya has not featured in a one-day international since the Champions Trophy final in March 2025.
Suryansh Shedge: The new all-round option
The 23-year-old Mumbai-based all-rounder, Suryansh Shedge, steps into the spotlight to provide India A with an additional medium-pace bowling option. Shedge brings valuable experience to the side, having already played three T20Is for India and appearing in 15 List A matches. A significant portion of his List A career has been spent representing India A, including a standout performance in June against Sri Lanka A in Dambulla, where he scored a career-best 72 off 66 balls while batting at number seven.
Further squad changes and leadership
The selection committee has made additional adjustments to the lineup. Left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Anukul Roy has replaced Naman Dhir in the squad. Dhir has been moved into India's T20I squad for the upcoming series against the West Indies, taking the place of Washington Sundar.
Leading the side for the three-match series will be Ruturaj Gaikwad, with Devdutt Padikkal appointed as his deputy. Padikkal, who previously led the team during the red-ball series against Australia A, will now serve as vice-captain.
Australia A squad updates
The visitors have also refreshed their roster. Riley Meredith and Will Sutherland have been added to the Australia A squad, replacing Jack Edwards and Aaron Hardie. Edwards has moved up to the senior Australian team following his departure from the A-setup last month, while Hardie has been sidelined with a minor knee issue.
Series Schedule
- First ODI: October 6 (Day-night fixture, starting at 2 pm local time)
- Second ODI: October 9 (Starting at 9 am)
- Third ODI: October 11 (Starting at 9 am)
India A Squad: Ruturaj Gaikwad (capt), Devdutt Padikkal (vice-capt), Priyansh Arya, Kumar Kushagra (wk), Rajat Patidar, Prabhsimran Singh, B Sai Sudharsan, Anukul Roy, Arshin Kulkarni, Nishant Sindhu, Suryansh Shedge, Arshad Khan, Gurjapneet Singh, Vipraj Nigam, Yash Thakur.
Australia A Squad: Mahli Beardman, Nikhil Chaudhary, Ben Dwarshuis, Spencer Johnson, Sam Konstas, Nathan McSweeney, Riley Meredith, Todd Murphy, Mitch Owen, Josh Philippe (wk), Tanveer Sangha, Liam Scott, Lachlan Shaw, Will Sutherland.