Ace India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has returned to competitive cricket for the first time since IPL 2026, with the BCCI selectors picking him for the three-match One-Day series between India A and Australia A. Devdutt Padikkal and Ruturaj Gaikwad were handed captaincy duties for the four-day and 50-over series, respectively. Puducherry will host five Australia A matches, including two four-day games, starting September 22. The three 50-over games will follow on October 6, 9 and 11. The second multi-day game will take place from September 29 to October 2. &nbsp;Hardik Pandya has not played any white-ball cricket for India since IPL 2026, where his team, Mumbai Indians (MI), finished ninth on the table. Although his selection is subject to fitness, the selectors would be keen on tapping his progress, with plenty of white-ball cricket scheduled for the senior men’s team in the coming months.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-2026-whatever-they-are-providing-we-are-staying-there-rajiv-shukla-on-india-cricketers-accommodation-1788888280164">Asian Games 2026: ‘Whatever they are providing, we are staying there’: Rajiv Shukla on India cricketers' accommodation in Nagoya</a> &nbsp;Earlier reports suggested that Pandya underwent a Performance Block Programme at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) to recover from a back spasm.<h2>Padikkal, Gaikwad named captains</h2>In-form Test batter Devdutt Padikkal will lead the India A team in two four-day matches against Australia A. Fresh from his breakthrough series in Sri Lanka and a handy contribution for South Zone in the ongoing Duleep Trophy final, Padikkal will have Sai Sudharsan as his deputy for the red-ball matches.&nbsp; &nbsp;Promising names like Aman Mokhade, Ayush Pandey, Yash Rathod and Shaik Rasheed have also been picked, while Kumar Kushagra and N Jagadeesan are the two wicketkeeping options. Among the bowlers, Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Tushar Deshpande and Anshul Kamboj have made the cut for the multi-day matches. &nbsp;Indian opener and CSK captain Gaikwad will lead the One-Day team against Australia A.&nbsp; &nbsp;While Padikkal will serve as his deputy, Sudharsan, Rajat Patidar, Priyansh Arya, Nishant Sindhu, Arshin Kulkarni and Naman Dhir are among those picked for the 50-over games.&nbsp; &nbsp;India A Multi-Day Squad:&nbsp;&nbsp;Aman Mokhade, Ayush Pandey, Devdutt Padikkal (captain), Sai Sudharsan (vice-captain), Yash Rathod, Shaik Rasheed, Kumar Kushagra (WK), Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Tushar Deshpande, Anshul Kamboj, Praful Hinge, Narayan Jagadeesan (wk), Nachiket Bhute and V Vyshak* (subject to fitness) &nbsp;India A One-Day Squad:&nbsp;&nbsp;Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain), Priyansh Arya, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal (vice-captain), 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<h3>India A vs Australia A 2026 Schedule -&nbsp;</h3>

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Date</td><td>Match</td><td>Venue</td></tr><tr><td>Sep 22 - 25&nbsp;</td><td>1st Multi-Day Match</td><td>Puducherry</td></tr><tr><td>Sep 29 - Oct 2</td><td>2nd Multi-Day Match</td><td>Puducherry</td></tr><tr><td>Oct 6</td><td>1st One-Day Match</td><td>Puducherry</td></tr><tr><td>Oct 9</td><td>2nd One-Day Match</td><td>Puducherry</td></tr><tr><td>Oct 11</td><td>3rd One-Day Match</td><td>Puducherry</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

Hardik Pandya makes his return as BCCI announces India A squads for the Australia A series in Puducherry. Devdutt Padikkal and Ruturaj Gaikwad are named captains. 

Ace India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has returned to competitive cricket for the first time since IPL 2026, with the BCCI selectors picking him for the three-match One-Day series between India A and Australia A. Devdutt Padikkal and Ruturaj Gaikwad were handed captaincy duties for the four-day and 50-over series, respectively. Puducherry will host five Australia A matches, including two four-day games, starting September 22. The three 50-over games will follow on October 6, 9 and 11. The second multi-day game will take place from September 29 to October 2. Hardik Pandya has not played any white-ball cricket for India since IPL 2026, where his team, Mumbai Indians (MI), finished ninth on the table. Although his selection is subject to fitness, the selectors would be keen on tapping his progress, with plenty of white-ball cricket scheduled for the senior men’s team in the coming months. Also read| Asian Games 2026: ‘Whatever they are providing, we are staying there’: Rajiv Shukla on India cricketers' accommodation in Nagoya Earlier reports suggested that Pandya underwent a Performance Block Programme at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) to recover from a back spasm. Padikkal, Gaikwad named captains In-form Test batter Devdutt Padikkal will lead the India A team in two four-day matches against Australia A. Fresh from his breakthrough series in Sri Lanka and a handy contribution for South Zone in the ongoing Duleep Trophy final, Padikkal will have Sai Sudharsan as his deputy for the red-ball matches. Promising names like Aman Mokhade, Ayush Pandey, Yash Rathod and Shaik Rasheed have also been picked, while Kumar Kushagra and N Jagadeesan are the two wicketkeeping options. Among the bowlers, Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Tushar Deshpande and Anshul Kamboj have made the cut for the multi-day matches. Indian opener and CSK captain Gaikwad will lead the One-Day team against Australia A. While Padikkal will serve as his deputy, Sudharsan, Rajat Patidar, Priyansh Arya, Nishant Sindhu, Arshin Kulkarni and Naman Dhir are among those picked for the 50-over games. India A Multi-Day Squad: Aman Mokhade, Ayush Pandey, Devdutt Padikkal (captain), Sai Sudharsan (vice-captain), Yash Rathod, Shaik Rasheed, Kumar Kushagra (WK), Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Tushar Deshpande, Anshul Kamboj, Praful Hinge, Narayan Jagadeesan (wk), Nachiket Bhute and V Vyshak* (subject to fitness) India A One-Day Squad: Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain), Priyansh Arya, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal (vice-captain), 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 India A vs Australia A 2026 Schedule -

Hardik Pandya makes his return as BCCI announces India A squads for the Australia A series in Puducherry. Devdutt Padikkal and Ruturaj Gaikwad are named captains.&nbsp;

Hardik Pandya back in India A squad; Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad appointed captains

Amid the ongoing IPL 2025 playoffs, some movement is occurring in the UK within the India-A squad ahead of their warm-up fixtures, starting Friday (May 30). Per the latest report, a key member of the senior team picked for the five-match Test series against England will link up with the A squad to get much-needed practice ahead of the challenging tour. While a few are busy with the IPL knockouts, those scheduled to travel in different batches are gearing up for the Test series.&nbsp;Ace batter KL Rahul will join the India-A squad in the UK and play the second warm-up match against England Lions in Northampton beginning June 6. Per an Indian Express report, Rahul will fly to England on Monday (June 2), earlier before the main squad leaves for the tour.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2025-we-have-lost-the-battle-but-not-the-war-pbks-captain-shreyas-iyer-not-ready-to-drop-guard-despite-qualifier-1-thrashing-rcb-1748595606502">‘We have lost the battle but not the war’: PBKS captain Iyer not ready to drop guard despite Qualifier 1 thrashing</a> &nbsp;Part of the 18-man squad for England Tests, Rahul has informed BCCI of his decision to play the second practice match following his IPL team, Delhi Capitals’ exit from the ongoing season. &nbsp;“He will be flying on Monday and will be playing a second warm-up game with the India A side. As he is part of the senior men’s team, which will be playing five Test matches in the series, these matches will give him game time and match practice,” a BCCI source close to the information said, as&nbsp;quoted by the Indian Express. &nbsp;While India-A begins their shadow tour in Canterbury, a full-strength Indian team will play them in an intra-squad match in Beckenham on June 13 before facing England in the first Test in Leeds starting June 20. &nbsp;Meanwhile, Rahul played as an opener on India’s last away tour against Australia Down Under, scoring 255 runs in five Tests at an average of 30.66, including two fifties. Although his first game heroics (26 and 77) helped India win the Perth Test, he failed to maximise his form in the remaining matches, where, after Rohit Sharma’s return to the side, his position shuffled across, leading to instability and thus lack of runs.

Key senior team batter included in India-A squad for second warm up game in England

Amid the ongoing IPL 2025 playoffs, some movement is occurring in the UK within the India-A squad ahead of their warm-up fixtures, starting Friday (May 30). Per the latest report, a key member of the senior team picked for the five-match Test series against England will link up with the A squad to get much-needed practice ahead of the challenging tour. While a few are busy with the IPL knockouts, those scheduled to travel in different batches are gearing up for the Test series. Ace batter KL Rahul will join the India-A squad in the UK and play the second warm-up match against England Lions in Northampton beginning June 6. Per an Indian Express report, Rahul will fly to England on Monday (June 2), earlier before the main squad leaves for the tour. Also read | ‘We have lost the battle but not the war’: PBKS captain Iyer not ready to drop guard despite Qualifier 1 thrashing Part of the 18-man squad for England Tests, Rahul has informed BCCI of his decision to play the second practice match following his IPL team, Delhi Capitals’ exit from the ongoing season. “He will be flying on Monday and will be playing a second warm-up game with the India A side. As he is part of the senior men’s team, which will be playing five Test matches in the series, these matches will give him game time and match practice,” a BCCI source close to the information said, as quoted by the Indian Express. While India-A begins their shadow tour in Canterbury, a full-strength Indian team will play them in an intra-squad match in Beckenham on June 13 before facing England in the first Test in Leeds starting June 20. Meanwhile, Rahul played as an opener on India’s last away tour against Australia Down Under, scoring 255 runs in five Tests at an average of 30.66, including two fifties. Although his first game heroics (26 and 77) helped India win the Perth Test, he failed to maximise his form in the remaining matches, where, after Rohit Sharma’s return to the side, his position shuffled across, leading to instability and thus lack of runs.

While a few are busy with the IPL knockouts, those scheduled to travel in different batches are gearing up for the Test series.

Key senior team batter included in India-A squad for second warm-up game in England

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/bcci" rel="dofollow">BCCI</a> selectors are said to prioritise domestic giants over IPL heroes in the India-A squad for the away England tour. As per the latest reports, the Indian Cricket Board has cleared it to the selection committee to focus more on non-IPL stars in the squad for the shadow tour. The India-A squad would include some Test hopefuls, including opener Abhimanyu Easwaran, a potential replacement for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rohit-sharma" rel="dofollow">Rohit Sharma</a> in the senior team.
Per Cricbuzz, the selectors met in Mumbai on May 6 - a day before Rohit announced his shock Test retirement, picking the India-A squad with Easwaran as the captain. The team will face two matches against England Lions (May 30-June 2 and June 6-9) and one against the senior India squad (June 13-16).
Although all focus remains on working towards resuming IPL 2025, which the BCCI suspended on Friday (May 7) over security concerns, picking the India-A squad hasn&rsquo;t been the easiest job for the selection committee either. The BCCI has advised them to select players unlikely to be part of the IPL 2025 playoffs and those who can quickly join the shadow tour for the second or third practice game.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-former-greats-speak-on-virat-kohls-retirement-talks-brian-lara-says-tests-need-him-navjot-singh-sidhu-finds-fault-in-its-timing-9057773" rel="dofollow">Former greats speak on Virat Kohli&rsquo;s retirement talks; Lara says Tests need him, Sidhu finds fault in &lsquo;its&rsquo; timing</a>
Among those discussed or likely picked are Tanush Kotian, Baba Indrajith, Akash Deep, and Karun Nair, among others. Besides, Dhruv Jurel and Nitish Kumar Reddy will be part of the India-A squad before getting drafted into the senior team that begins their series with the first Test starting June 20 in Leeds.&nbsp;
Though all-rounder Shardul Thakur would be part of the main squad, there is no information on Ishan Kishan getting an India call-up for the first time since getting drafted back to the central contract list. Given that India will pick Rishabh Pant, who might become the new vice-captain of the Test side following Rohit&rsquo;s departure, and Jurel for the England Tests, Ishan&rsquo;s chances of breaking into the side are minimal.
<h2>Iyer in or out?</h2>
Days after Rohit said goodbye to Test cricket, another batting veteran, Virat Kohli, informed BCCI of intending to do away with the Test format, piling pressure on the selectors to pick an experienced squad for England Tests.&nbsp;
Should the BCCI fail to persuade him to do a U-Turn on his Test retirement call, they could bring in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/shreyas-iyer" rel="dofollow">Shreyas Iyer</a>, who is not in the scheme of things for the UK tour for now. The other option is Sarfaraz Khan, whom the selectors are unwilling to rush for; instead, they want him to play domestic games before considering him for red-ball cricket.
On the other hand, seamer Mukesh Kumar, known for his presentable seam position and bowling tight lines across formats, could also be considered for one of the squads, depending on how far his IPL team (Delhi Capitals) go in the tournament. RCB seamer Yash Dayal is another name considered for the UK tour.&nbsp;

The BCCI selectors will announce the India-A squad for the away England tour on May 13 (Tuesday), while holding a presser on May 23 to announce the new Test captain. Sports, Cricket

The BCCI selectors are said to prioritise domestic giants over IPL heroes in the India-A squad for the away England tour. As per the latest reports, the Indian Cricket Board has cleared it to the selection committee to focus more on non-IPL stars in the squad for the shadow tour. The India-A squad would include some Test hopefuls, including opener Abhimanyu Easwaran, a potential replacement for Rohit Sharma in the senior team. Per Cricbuzz, the selectors met in Mumbai on May 6 - a day before Rohit announced his shock Test retirement, picking the India-A squad with Easwaran as the captain. The team will face two matches against England Lions (May 30-June 2 and June 6-9) and one against the senior India squad (June 13-16). Although all focus remains on working towards resuming IPL 2025, which the BCCI suspended on Friday (May 7) over security concerns, picking the India-A squad hasn’t been the easiest job for the selection committee either. The BCCI has advised them to select players unlikely to be part of the IPL 2025 playoffs and those who can quickly join the shadow tour for the second or third practice game. Also read | Former greats speak on Virat Kohli’s retirement talks; Lara says Tests need him, Sidhu finds fault in ‘its’ timing Among those discussed or likely picked are Tanush Kotian, Baba Indrajith, Akash Deep, and Karun Nair, among others. Besides, Dhruv Jurel and Nitish Kumar Reddy will be part of the India-A squad before getting drafted into the senior team that begins their series with the first Test starting June 20 in Leeds. Though all-rounder Shardul Thakur would be part of the main squad, there is no information on Ishan Kishan getting an India call-up for the first time since getting drafted back to the central contract list. Given that India will pick Rishabh Pant, who might become the new vice-captain of the Test side following Rohit’s departure, and Jurel for the England Tests, Ishan’s chances of breaking into the side are minimal. Iyer in or out? Days after Rohit said goodbye to Test cricket, another batting veteran, Virat Kohli, informed BCCI of intending to do away with the Test format, piling pressure on the selectors to pick an experienced squad for England Tests. Should the BCCI fail to persuade him to do a U-Turn on his Test retirement call, they could bring in Shreyas Iyer, who is not in the scheme of things for the UK tour for now. The other option is Sarfaraz Khan, whom the selectors are unwilling to rush for; instead, they want him to play domestic games before considering him for red-ball cricket. On the other hand, seamer Mukesh Kumar, known for his presentable seam position and bowling tight lines across formats, could also be considered for one of the squads, depending on how far his IPL team (Delhi Capitals) go in the tournament. RCB seamer Yash Dayal is another name considered for the UK tour.

BCCI prioritises domestic giants over IPL stars in India-A squad for England tour – Report

Opener Ruturaj Gaikwad might captain the India-A squad for the tour Down Under later this month, leading the race to fill regular skipper Rohit Sharma’s shoes in one of the first two Tests during the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar series. The BCCI named a 15-man squad for the Australia-A game, with several contenders like Abhimanyu Easwaran and Sai Sudharsan also picked.

The matches against Australia-A will serve as practice games or auditions for a few backup players for the marquee five-match Test series.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/womens-t20-world-cup-new-zealand-clinch-thriller-against-west-indies-in-semis-to-take-on-sa-in-final-768812">Women's T20 World Cup: New Zealand clinch thriller against West Indies in semis; to take on SA in final</a>

While Devdutt Padikkal, B Indrajith and Ricky Bhui will be the middle-order batters, Abishek Porel and Ishan Kishan are the two designated wicket-keepers in the India-A squad.&nbsp;

Having made his India debut recently, Nitish Kumar Reddy has also been picked as an all-rounder, with Tanush Kotian and Manav Suthar accompanying him in the said category.

On the other hand, Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Khaleel Ahmed and Yash Dayal are the four fast bowlers.

Meanwhile, Easwaran, 29, is also vying for a place in the Test squad for the Australia series. Picked earlier for the away Bangladesh series in 2022, the domestic giant hasn't broken into the India Test playing XI yet. The right-handed batter has been in outstanding form this season, scoring two Duleep Trophy hundreds, one in Irani Cup and one against Bengal in the ongoing season of Ranji Trophy.

On the other hand, Sudharsan, 23, made headlines for his magnificent double hundred for Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy, having scored a stunning ton for Surrey in the English County in August.

<h2>Schedule and squad –</h2>

India-A will face Australia-A in two four-day matches in Mackay on October 31 and Melbourne on November 7. Next, the India-A team will face the BGT-bound Indian Test side in a three-day warm-up match in Perth, scheduled from November 15-17, with the first Test beginning on November 22 at the Optus Stadium.

Here is the In;dia-A squad for Australia-A matches –

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Devdutt Padikkal, Sai Sudharsan, B Indrajith, Abishek Porel (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Mukesh Kumar, Ricky Bhui, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Manav Suthar, Navdeep Saini, Khaleel Ahmed, Tanush Kotian and Yash Dayal

(With inputs from agencies)

Opener Ruturaj Gaikwad might captain the India-A squad for the tour Down Under later this month, leading the race to fill regular skipper Rohit Sharma’s shoes in one of the first two Tests during the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar series.

Opener Ruturaj Gaikwad might captain the India-A squad for the tour Down Under later this month, leading the race to fill regular skipper Rohit Sharma’s shoes in one of the first two Tests during the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar series. The BCCI named a 15-man squad for the Australia-A game, with several contenders like Abhimanyu Easwaran and Sai Sudharsan also picked. The matches against Australia-A will serve as practice games or auditions for a few backup players for the marquee five-match Test series. ALSO READ: Women's T20 World Cup: New Zealand clinch thriller against West Indies in semis; to take on SA in final While Devdutt Padikkal, B Indrajith and Ricky Bhui will be the middle-order batters, Abishek Porel and Ishan Kishan are the two designated wicket-keepers in the India-A squad. Having made his India debut recently, Nitish Kumar Reddy has also been picked as an all-rounder, with Tanush Kotian and Manav Suthar accompanying him in the said category. On the other hand, Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Khaleel Ahmed and Yash Dayal are the four fast bowlers. Meanwhile, Easwaran, 29, is also vying for a place in the Test squad for the Australia series. Picked earlier for the away Bangladesh series in 2022, the domestic giant hasn't broken into the India Test playing XI yet. The right-handed batter has been in outstanding form this season, scoring two Duleep Trophy hundreds, one in Irani Cup and one against Bengal in the ongoing season of Ranji Trophy. On the other hand, Sudharsan, 23, made headlines for his magnificent double hundred for Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy, having scored a stunning ton for Surrey in the English County in August. Schedule and squad – India-A will face Australia-A in two four-day matches in Mackay on October 31 and Melbourne on November 7. Next, the India-A team will face the BGT-bound Indian Test side in a three-day warm-up match in Perth, scheduled from November 15-17, with the first Test beginning on November 22 at the Optus Stadium. Here is the In;dia-A squad for Australia-A matches – Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Devdutt Padikkal, Sai Sudharsan, B Indrajith, Abishek Porel (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Mukesh Kumar, Ricky Bhui, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Manav Suthar, Navdeep Saini, Khaleel Ahmed, Tanush Kotian and Yash Dayal (With inputs from agencies)

BGT: Ruturaj Gaikwad leads race to fill Rohit’s shoes in one Test as BCCI pick India-A squad

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Hardik Pandya back in India A squad; Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad appointed captains

Key senior team batter included in India-A squad for second warm-up game in England

BCCI prioritises domestic giants over IPL stars in India-A squad for England tour – Report

BGT: Ruturaj Gaikwad leads race to fill Rohit’s shoes in one Test as BCCI pick India-A squad