India A Squad Announced for Upcoming One-Day Series Against Australia A

Strategic Insights -

The India A selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, has unveiled the squad for the upcoming one-day series against Australia A, featuring a mix of young and experienced players. The three-match series will be played at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur, with the first match scheduled on September 30, 2025, and the last two matches on October 3 and 5, 2025. Notably, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who have been out of action since the IPL 2025 season, were expected to play the India A matches to warm up for their return to international cricket in the tour of Australia. However, neither of the senior batters was named in the announced squads.

Key Takeaways:

  • The India A squad features a mix of 13 and 15 members for the first and last two matches, respectively, with fresh inclusions such as Tilak Varma, Abhishek Sharma, Harshit Rana, and Arshdeep Singh.
  • Tilak Varma will captain the team for the second and third one-day matches, with Rajat Patidar as his deputy.
  • Priyansh Arya and Simarjeet Singh will not be part of the second and third one-day matches.
  • Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who have been out of action since the IPL 2025 season, were not included in the squads, and their participation in the India A matches is uncertain.
  • The senior duo underwent mandatory pre-season fitness tests, with Kohli conducting his test in London and Rohit in Bengaluru.
  • The selection committee has not forced Kohli and Rohit to play the India A matches, and their participation will depend on their individual needs and requirements.
  • Both Kohli and Rohit are available for selection for the contest against Australia and must undergo the mandatory pre-season fitness test.

Statistics:

  • September 30, 2025: First one-day match between India A and Australia A.
  • October 3, 2025: Second one-day match between India A and Australia A.
  • October 5, 2025: Third one-day match between India A and Australia A.
  • 13: Number of members in the first one-day match squad.
  • 15: Number of members in the second and third one-day match squad.

Sources:

  • "No start date for Kohli, Rohit for Australia ODIs, selectors unlikely to force them: BCCI official" by Priyam Kaul, Times of India.
  • Hindustan Times.