Hardik Pandya has been named in the India A squad for the three-match One-Day series against Australia A, pending fitness clearance. Pandya has not played competitive cricket since the 2026 IPL, with his last international appearance occurring in the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand in March.
Squad Leadership and Schedule
The tour, held in Puducherry from September 22 to October 11, includes two multi-day matches and three one-day games. Devdutt Padikkal will captain the multi-day team, with Sai Sudharsan serving as his deputy. Ruturaj Gaikwad will lead the white-ball squad, where Padikkal will serve as vice-captain.
Injury Recovery and Selection
- Pandya underwent a Performance Block Programme at the BCCI Centre of Excellence to recover from a back spasm and a quadriceps injury.
- These injuries previously ruled him out of the home ODI series against Afghanistan in June, despite an initial selection subject to fitness.
- Fast bowler Vyshak Vijaykumar has also been included in the multi-day squad, subject to his own fitness assessment.
