Hardik Pandya, who has not played competitive cricket since the IPL 2026, has been named in India A’s squad for the three-match One-Day series against Australia A, subject to fitness.
The all-rounder has been out of action since the IPL after dealing with a back spasm followed by a quadriceps injury. His inclusion in the India A squad could provide him with an opportunity to prove his fitness and regain match practice ahead of India’s upcoming assignments.
Devdutt Padikkal and Ruturaj Gaikwad will lead India A in the multi-day and white-ball formats respectively. The tour will comprise two multi-day matches and three One-Day games, with all five matches scheduled to be played in Puducherry between September 22 and October 11.
Pandya has not featured in competitive cricket since the IPL 2026. In June, Cricbuzz reported that he was undergoing a Performance Block Programme at the BCCI Centre of Excellence as part of his recovery from a back spasm and subsequent quadriceps injury.
He was initially named in India’s ODI squad for the Afghanistan home series in June, subject to fitness clearance. However, a fresh injury complication ruled him out of the series.
Pandya last represented India in the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand in March. His inclusion in the India A one-day squad, therefore, gives him a potential route back to competitive cricket, although his selection remains subject to fitness.
Fast bowler V Vyshak has also been included in the multi-day squad subject to fitness.
Padikkal will captain India A in the multi-day matches, with Sai Sudharsan serving as his deputy, while Padikkal will be the vice-captain under Gaikwad in the one-day series.
India A multi-day squad
Aman Mokhade, Ayush Pandey, Devdutt Padikkal (C), Sai Sudharsan (VC), Yash Rathod, Shaik Rasheed, Kumar Kushagra (WK), Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Tushar Deshpande, Anshul Kamboj, Praful Hinge, Narayan Jagadeesan (WK), Nachiket Bhute, V Vyshak*
India A One-Day squad
Priyansh Arya, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal (VC), Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Rajat Patidar, Kumar Kushagra (WK), Nishant Sindhu, Vipraj Nigam, Arshin Kulkarni, Arshad Khan, Naman Dhir, Hardik Pandya*, Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Gurjapneet Singh, Yash Thakur
The Australia A series will provide several players with an opportunity to push their case for senior-team selection, while Pandya’s participation will be closely monitored given his recent injury setbacks.
