Mumbai all-rounder Suryansh Shedge has replaced the injured Hardik Pandya in the India A squad for the three-match unofficial ODI series against Australia A in Puducherry. The 23-year-old has another opportunity to make an impression during the matches, which will be played on October 6, 9 and 11.
Shedge recently returned from a minor quadriceps injury that had kept him out of several pre-season tournaments and the Rest of India squad. He was cleared by the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru before travelling to Puducherry, but he will miss Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy opener against Chandigarh.
Suryansh Shedge Cleared To Join India A Squad
Suryansh Shedge had missed Mumbai’s pre-season tournaments as well as selection for the India and Rest of India squads because of his injury. He completed his rehabilitation in Bengaluru before undergoing a final fitness assessment at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
“Shedge had gone to the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for a fitness assessment, and after being cleared by the CoE's medical team, left for Puducherry yesterday,” a source tracking developments told TOI on Sunday.
After receiving medical clearance, Suryansh Shedge travelled to Puducherry to join the India A squad for the Australia A series. However, his inclusion means he will miss Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy opener against Chandigarh at the Wankhede Stadium on October 11.
Hardik Pandya Suffers Fresh Injury Setback
Hardik Pandya has suffered another setback during his rehabilitation. The 32-year-old experienced discomfort in his right calf during a fitness assessment at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on September 19.
An MRI conducted after the assessment showed very mild intramedullary oedema, which was consistent with right medial tibial stress syndrome. The development has left Pandya racing against time to regain full fitness before India’s tour of New Zealand later this year.
Pandya had initially suffered an injury during the closing stages of IPL 2026 and reported to the Centre of Excellence for rehabilitation. Although he had reportedly cleared a fitness test ahead of the Afghanistan series, another setback ruled him out of the England tour and the subsequent series. He was also not fit to feature in the West Indies series.
Pandya had been in line to make his comeback during the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, but the latest setback came before his selection for the Afghanistan T20Is. India subsequently drafted Nitish Kumar Reddy into the ODI squad for the three-match home series against West Indies.
His last competitive appearance came for Mumbai Indians against Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026. Pandya last represented India in the T20 World Cup 2026 final, while his most recent ODI appearance came 18 months ago.
Suryansh Shedge Earns India A Recall After Strong 2026 Performances
Suryansh Shedge impressed during India A’s tri-series in Sri Lanka in June. Batting primarily in the middle order, the 23-year-old scored 147 runs in five matches and also bowled 23 overs during the tournament.
The all-rounder has already gained international experience, having played three T20Is for India during the tours of Ireland, England and Zimbabwe in June and July. His recent injury, however, prevented him from being considered for the India and Rest of India squads before he completed his rehabilitation.
Shedge was also one of Mumbai’s standout performers during their victorious Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign in the 2024-25 season. Batting in the lower middle order, he scored 131 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 251.92, highlighting his ability as a powerful white-ball finisher.
The Australia A series will give Suryansh Shedge another chance to strengthen his case after his return from injury. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya’s latest setback has added uncertainty to his comeback plans ahead of India’s New Zealand tour, which begins with the five-match T20I series on October 22.
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