India A squads have been selected for the upcoming multi-day and one-day series against Australia A, with Hardik Pandya included in the one-day group subject to medical clearance.
Devdutt Padikkal will captain the multi-day squad, while Ruturaj Gaikwad has been appointed leader of the one-day side. The squads feature players drawn from domestic cricket and the 2026 Indian Premier League season.
Pandya included subject to clearance
Pandya’s inclusion marks a possible return to competitive cricket after an absence of around five months. However, his place in the one-day squad remains conditional on medical clearance, meaning his participation will depend on his fitness assessment.The all-rounder has been named only in the white-ball group for the Australia A fixtures. The selection provides a route back into competitive action, but the final decision on his availability will be taken after the required medical evaluation.
Series schedule
The multi-day matches are scheduled to begin in Puducherry on September 22. The one-day fixtures will start later, on October 6.Padikkal will lead the longer-format group in the opening stage of the series. Gaikwad will then take charge of the one-day side, which includes Pandya subject to his clearance.
The series will give players from India’s domestic circuit and the 2026 IPL season an opportunity to represent India A against Australia A. It will also provide the selected group with competitive matches in both multi-day and one-day cricket.
For Pandya, the immediate focus will be on completing the medical process before the one-day fixtures begin. His selection confirms that he is being considered for a return, while the fitness condition leaves his participation unresolved until clearance is granted.
The first scheduled action will be the multi-day matches in Puducherry on September 22, followed by the one-day fixtures from October 6. Padikkal and Gaikwad will lead the respective squads as India A begins its series against Australia A.
