The BCCI has announced significant changes to India A’s squad for the upcoming three-match one-day series against Australia A, with Shreyas Iyer replacing Rajat Patidar and Tilak Varma as captain. The series, set to begin on September 30 in Kanpur, will serve as a crucial stepping stone for several young talents eyeing a spot in the senior team for the ODI series in Australia next month.
Abhishek Sharma’s Breakout Form Puts Him on ODI Radar
India’s new T20 batting star, Abhishek Sharma, is on the verge of his first ODI call-up following a blistering run in the Asia Cup 2025. The 23-year-old left-hander has been in sensational form, amassing 248 runs in just five matches at a jaw-dropping strike rate of 206.
His fearless strokeplay and match-winning performances — including back-to-back Player of the Match awards against Pakistan and Bangladesh — have made him one of the tournament’s standout performers.
If he can carry that momentum into the one-dayers against Australia A, Abhishek could pose a serious challenge to Yashasvi Jaiswal for the reserve opener’s spot in India’s main squad.
Senior Stars Rested as Focus Shifts to Next Generation
The revised squad notably leaves out veteran stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both of whom were initially expected to feature in the series to regain match fitness ahead of the Australia tour. Their absence signals a clear shift in BCCI’s priorities — nurturing the next generation of white-ball stars.
While Rohit and Kohli are expected to return for the senior team’s three-match ODI series in Australia starting October 19, the spotlight for now is firmly on young guns like Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Riyan Parag.
Shreyas Iyer Named Full-Time Captain for All Three Games
In one of the most notable changes, Shreyas Iyer will lead India A in all three matches, taking over the captaincy duties from Rajat Patidar and Tilak Varma, who were initially named as captains.
The selectors have also included left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh to strengthen the pace unit, a move aimed at deepening India’s fast-bowling pool before the Australia tour.
With a youthful squad and new leadership in place, the series is seen as a key platform for India’s future white-ball stars to make their mark.
India A Squad for Australia One-Day Series
1st One-Day Match:
Shreyas Iyer (C), Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Riyan Parag, Ayush Badoni, Suryansh Shedge, Vipraj Nigam, Nishant Sindhu, Gurjapneet Singh, Yudhvir Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Abhishek Porel (WK), Priyansh Arya, Simarjeet Singh
2nd & 3rd One-Day Matches:
Shreyas Iyer (C), Tilak Varma (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Riyan Parag, Ayush Badoni, Suryansh Shedge, Vipraj Nigam, Nishant Sindhu, Gurjapneet Singh, Yudhvir Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Abhishek Porel (WK), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh
Rajat Patidar to Lead Rest of India in Irani Cup
Meanwhile, Rajat Patidar will captain the Rest of India (ROI) side in the prestigious Irani Cup clash against Ranji Trophy 2024–25 champions Vidarbha, starting October 1 in Nagpur.
Shreyas Iyer, who was a potential candidate for the role, was not considered as he has informed selectors of his decision to take a six-month break from red-ball cricket.
Rest of India Squad (Irani Cup):
Rajat Patidar (C), Abhimanyu Easwaran, Aryan Juyal (WK), Ruturaj Gaikwad (VC), Yash Dhull, Shaikh Rasheed, Ishan Kishan (WK), Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Khaleel Ahmed, Akash Deep, Anshul Kamboj, Saransh Jain
With a youthful squad led by Shreyas Iyer and the emergence of stars like Abhishek Sharma, India’s bench strength looks stronger than ever. The Australia A series will not only serve as a testing ground for the next generation but also shape the roadmap for India’s future in the 50-over format.
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