Hardik Pandya out of India A series against Australia A; Suryansh Shedge named replacement

Hardik Pandya will not play the three-match ODI series against Australia A. India A have had to make a major change to their squad before the series begins. Hardik's name had been included on the condition that he pass a fitness test, but he has now been removed from the series because of a new injury.

Hardik's selection in the India A squad would have been confirmed only if he had received fitness clearance. A recent injury has once again delayed his return to the field. It has been reported that he has still not fully recovered from the pain he feels while bowling. He has been away from cricket since he was injured in May during IPL 2026. He has also not played an ODI since the Champions Trophy final in March 2025.

The BCCI has announced the player who will replace Hardik. Suryansh Shedge has been included in the India A team for the three-match ODI series. Shedge has played three T20 internationals so far. About half of his 15 List A matches have been for India A. In June, batting at number seven against Sri Lanka A in Dambulla, he scored a fine 72 off 66 balls.

There is one more change in the India A team. Left-arm spinner and all-rounder Anukul Roy has been picked in place of Naman Dhir. Dhir has been included in the Indian team for the upcoming five-match T20 series against the West Indies, in place of Washington Sundar. Washington Sundar was part of the Indian T20 team that won the gold medal at the Asian Games. If he is selected, he could now play for Tamil Nadu in their first Ranji Trophy match.

Ruturaj Gaikwad will captain India A in this ODI series against Australia A, and Devdutt Padikkal will be vice-captain. Padikkal has previously captained India A in the red-ball series against Australia A.

The first ODI between India A and Australia A will be played on October 6 as a day-night match. The second match will be on October 9 and the third on October 11.