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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly made two big decisions for the upcoming multi-format series between India A and Australia A in Puducherry. Before the series, former India pacer L. Balaji was given the big responsibility by the BCCI.
The replacement for Vipraj Nigam has also been selected for Australia. A game after the young leg-spinning all-rounder was handed his maiden India call-up for the Japan tour. Amid this, Michael Hussey to replace Stephen Fleming as CSK explore options for new head coach.
L Balaji takes charge as head coach, T Vijay replaces Vipraj Nigam for India A vs Australia A series
As reported by the PTI journalist, L Balaji has been appointed as the head coach of the India A team for the upcoming multi-format series against Australia A in Puducherry.
Additionally, Andhra off-spinner T Vijay has replaced Vipraj Nigam in the India A squad for the multi-format series against Australia A. Nigam recently replaced the injured Varun Chakravarthy in India's squad for the Asian Games 2026 as well as the one-off T20I against Japan.
India A and Australia A will face each other in the two unofficial four-day Test matches followed by a three-match unofficial ODI series in Puducherry. The Australia A series will give several Indian players an opportunity to impress the selectors and push their case for the India selection.
L Balaji is India A head coach for the upcoming Australia A series in Puducherry. Andhra offie T Vijay has replaced Vipraj Nigam in India A side@BCCI #Cricket #Updates
— Kushan Sarkar (@kushansarkar) September 20, 2026
Devdutt Padikkal and Ruturaj Gaikwad to lead India A against Australia A
India A’s multi-day team will be led by Devdutt Padikkal, with Sai Sudharsan as vice-captain. Tanush Kotian, Shams Mulani, and Tushar Deshpande are part of the squad. Amid this, Hyderabad Ranji Trophy squad announced with Mohammed Siraj as captain.
On the other hand, the one-day team will be captained by Ruturaj Gaikwad, with Padikkal as his deputy. Young batter Priyansh Arya is among the key names in the white-ball squad.
Australia has also named a strong group. Their multi-day squad includes experienced players such as Peter Handscomb, Jhye Richardson, and Brendan Doggett. The one-day side has young pace sensations Mahli Beardman and Spencer Johnson for the India tour.
Full Schedule:
| Match | Date | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st unofficial Test | 22 Sep – 25 Sep | Puducherry | 9:30 AM |
| 2nd unofficial Test | 29 Sep – 02 Oct | Puducherry | 9:30 AM |
| 1st unofficial ODI | 06 Oct | Puducherry | 9:30 AM |
| 2nd unofficial ODI | 09 Oct | Puducherry | 9:30 AM |
| 3rd unofficial ODI | 11 Oct | Puducherry | 9:30 AM |
Praful Hinge ready for India A debut with simple approach
Meanwhile, Praful Hinge is excited for his first India A assignment against Australia A in the red-ball series in Puducherry. With the match starting on September 22, Hinge wants to keep things simple and focus only on the present after hogging spotlight during the IPL 2026.
The young fast bowler wants to concentrate on one delivery at a time and execute his plans instead of thinking about the result or his future. Hinge revealed he got the selection news through his friend.
Praful Hinge was quoted as saying by IANS, "I don't think too much in my brain about what will happen next or what may not happen. I just focus on the present, like what I have to do with the ball in hand in a match. I just focus on bowling one ball at a time.”
He added, “As a bowler, there are a lot of challenges and I love those challenges. When the ball comes, I just have to do my bowling. I'll do my best. The rest, and whatever happens, will have to happen.”
