New Delhi, September 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday announced the India A squads for the upcoming home series against Australia A, with Devdutt Padikkal and Ruturaj Gaikwad named captains of the multi-day and one-day teams, respectively.
The series will feature two four-day matches followed by three one-day games, with all five fixtures scheduled to be played in Puducherry from September 22.
Seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been included in the 50-over squad, subject to fitness. Pandya has been out of action since IPL 2026 after suffering quad and leg injuries and will need to clear a fitness assessment at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Padikkal, who was named Player of the Series after scoring 328 runs at No. 3 in India’s 1-0 Test series victory over Sri Lanka, will lead the 15-member multi-day squad. Sai Sudharsan, who missed the Sri Lanka Test series with a right toe injury, has been appointed vice-captain.
The red-ball squad also includes Aman Mokhade, Ayush Pandey, Yash Rathod and Shaik Rasheed among the top-order options. Kumar Kushagra and N Jagadeesan are the wicketkeeping choices, with Kushagra currently in the spotlight after scoring a century in the ongoing Duleep Trophy final against South Zone.
Mumbai all-rounders Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian will spearhead the spin department, while the pace attack comprises Anshul Kamboj, Tushar Deshpande, Praful Hinge, Nachiket Bhute and Vijaykumar Vyshak, whose selection is subject to fitness clearance.
For the one-day series, Gaikwad will lead the side, with Padikkal serving as his deputy. The squad features considerable experience, including Pandya, provided he passes his fitness test.
The batting unit includes Priyansh Arya, India batter Rajat Patidar and Punjab’s Naman Dhir, who has impressed in the ongoing Sher-e-Punjab T20 league. Prabhsimran Singh joins Kushagra as a wicketkeeping option.
The all-rounders include Nishant Sindhu, Vipraj Nigam, Arshin Kulkarni and Arshad Khan, while Gurjapneet Singh and Yash Thakur form part of the pace attack. Thakur made his T20I debut during India’s tour of Zimbabwe in July.
The first four-day match will be played from September 22 to 25, followed by the second from September 29 to October 2. The three one-day matches are scheduled for October 6, October 9 and October 11.
India A Multi-Day Squad
Devdutt Padikkal (captain), Sai Sudharsan (vice-captain), Aman Mokhade, Ayush Pandey, Yash Rathod, Shaik Rasheed, Kumar Kushagra (wk), Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Tushar Deshpande, Anshul Kamboj, Praful Hinge, N Jagadeesan (wk), Nachiket Bhute and Vijaykumar Vyshak (subject to fitness).
India A One-Day Squad
Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain), Devdutt Padikkal (vice-captain), Priyansh Arya, Sai Sudharsan, Rajat Patidar, Kumar Kushagra (wk), Nishant Sindhu, Vipraj Nigam, Arshin Kulkarni, Arshad Khan, Naman Dhir, Hardik Pandya (subject to fitness), Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Gurjapneet Singh and Yash Thakur.
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