Iyer To Lead; Gaikwad, Patidar Excluded As BCCI Unveils India-A Squad For Australia Series

Shreyas Iyer will lead India-A vs Australia-A [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X]

In a significant development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India-A squad for the upcoming red-ball matches against Australia. Experienced Indian batter Shreyas Iyer has been named the captain of India-A for the two-match unofficial Test series. 

Iyer To Captain India-A In Australia Series

Australia's A-side will tour India to face the home side in two unofficial Tests and three One-Day matches. On Saturday, the BCCI announced India's star-studded A-side, naming Shreyas Iyer as the captain. 

Abhimanyu Easwaran, who missed the Duleep Trophy encounters, has returned to the team. Meanwhile, N Jagadeesan has been rewarded for his exploits in the Duleep Trophy, making it into the team as a wicketkeeper-batter alongside Dhruv Jurel, who will play as Iyer's deputy. 

Despite showing consistency in the Duleep Trophy, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rajat Patidar have failed to find a place in the A-squad for the Australia Tests. On the other hand, B Sai Sudharsan, who blew hot and cold in the England series, has been given an opportunity to showcase his mettle ahead of the home season. 

Among others, Devdutt Padikkal, Ayush Badoni, Nitish Reddy, Prasidh Krishna and Khaleel Ahmed are several familiar faces who have made the cut. 

India A Squad For Unofficial Tests vs Australia

Shreyas Iyer (C), Abhimanyu Easwaran, N Jagadeesan (WK), Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel (VC & WK), Devdutt Padikkal, Harsh Dubey, Ayush Badoni, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Tanush Kotian, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Khaleel Ahmed, Manav Suthar, Yash Thakur

The BCCI has clarified that KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj won't participate in the first game; but they will be added to the squad ahead of the second match, starting on September 23. 

Australia-A Tour Of India 2025 Schedule

• 1st unofficial Test: September 16-19, Ekana Stadium, Lucknow
• 2nd unofficial Test: September 23-26, Ekana Stadium, Lucknow
• 1st unofficial ODI: September 30, Green Park, Kanpur
• 2nd unofficial ODI: October 3, Green Park, Kanpur
• 3rd unofficial ODI: October 5, Green Park, Kanpur

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