Cricket
oi-Gaurav Sharma
Hardik Pandya has taken another step towards returning to competitive cricket after spending the past five months on the sidelines. The all-rounder has been picked in India A’s one-day squad for the upcoming series against Australia A in Puducherry, but his comeback is not official yet, with a fitness clearance still required.
Hardik Pandya has been working at the Centre of Excellence as he continues his recovery. His last competitive appearance came for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, and a string of fitness setbacks has kept him away from the India setup since then.
Hardik Pandya’s potential comeback is nearing as he’s selected for India A’s one-day squad against Australia A in Puducherry, captained by Ruturaj Gaikwad starting October 6, pending required medical fitness clearance after a five-month injury layoff.
The 32-year-old has had an eventful period on the injury front. Following his stint as Mumbai Indians captain during IPL 2026 and India’s successful T20 World Cup campaign, he was sidelined with back spasms. He subsequently suffered a quadriceps problem that ruled him out of the Afghanistan series, while another leg injury pushed his return further back.
His selection for India A could now offer Pandya an important opportunity to rebuild his match fitness in a controlled environment. Ruturaj Gaikwad will lead the 50-over side, with the first game scheduled for October 6.
Devdutt Padikkal handed leadership role in four-day team
India A will begin their Australia A assignment with two four-day matches from September 22. Devdutt Padikkal has been chosen to captain the red-ball squad, while Sai Sudharsan will serve as vice-captain.
Devdutt Padikkal has plenty of momentum behind him after registering consecutive centuries at No. 3 during India’s Test tour of Sri Lanka. He is also currently involved in the Duleep Trophy final for South Zone in Chennai.
The selection comes at a time when several regular India players are expected to be involved in the Asian Games. Their absence has allowed the selectors to widen the pool and reward players who have performed consistently in domestic cricket and during IPL 2026.
For Hardik Pandya, however, the focus will be firmly on his fitness. Being named in the squad is a positive indication that he is nearing a comeback, but he will need the medical team’s approval before taking the field.
If cleared, the Australia A fixtures could become Hardik Pandya’s first competitive outings in five months and provide him with valuable game time after an extended period away from cricket.
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, N 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
