Injured Hardik Pandya replaced by Mumbai all-rounder in India A squad for Australia A ODI

“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 look at Hardik Pandya’s latest setback 

Pandya’s latest setback stems from discomfort in his right calf. The senior all-rounder first noticed the issue during a fitness assessment on 19 September. An MRI scan subsequently revealed very mild intramedullary oedema consistent with right medial tibial stress syndrome. Medical staff have advised a period of rest, along with bisphosphonate therapy and Vitamin D supplementation lasting six to eight weeks, before he resumes progressive rehabilitation involving low-load exercises, running and cricket-specific work. 

Pandya has endured a prolonged spell on the sidelines, and his comeback continues to be delayed again and again. He has not played competitive cricket since the conclusion of the 2026 Indian Premier League season with Mumbai Indians. Earlier problems included back spasms during the IPL and a quadriceps strain that ruled him out of India’s ODI series against Afghanistan. 

The India A assignment had been viewed as a crucial step in Pandya’s recovery pathway ahead of India’s five-match ODI series against New Zealand, which begins in early November, and longer-term preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup. IT has been expected that the player might return before the end of the year. 

Suryansh Shedge to replace Hardik Pandya

Shedge’s inclusion hands the young Mumbai player an important opportunity to shine in the absence of Pandya. Born on 29 January 2003, the right-handed batting all-rounder and right-arm medium-pace bowler made his T20I debut for India earlier this year. He earned his first senior call-up as a replacement for Nitish Kumar Reddy for the tours of Ireland, England and Zimbabwe, receiving his cap from Sanju Samson and featuring in three matches.

The 23-year-old’s domestic and India A form has been more persuasive, and his inclusion as a replacement for Pandya is hoped for with stunning results. In the June 2026 tri-series in Sri Lanka, Shedge scored 147 runs across five matches while bowling 23 overs. He was also a standout performer for Mumbai during their successful 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign, contributing 131 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 251.92 in the lower middle order. 

In the IPL, representing Punjab Kings, he has shown explosive batting ability, posting a highest score of 57 and maintaining a high strike rate across limited opportunities. 

Suryansh Shedge to miss Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy opener 

A source tracking developments told the Times of India that Shedge’s clearance at the Centre of Excellence paved the way for his immediate departure to Puducherry. The call-up does, however, mean he will miss Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy opener against Chandigarh at the Wankhede Stadium, which begins on 11 October. 

However, for Shedge, the selection represents another step in a rapid rise. Having impressed selectors with his finishing ability in domestic T20 cricket and useful contributions with both bat and ball at India A level, he now has the chance to perform against quality opposition in the longer limited-overs format. 

When is India A vs Australia A?

The first India A vs Australia A is set for Tuesday, October 6. The match will begin at 2:00 PM IST. The second ODI is scheduled for Friday, October 9, at 9:00 AM IST, and it will be followed by the third one on Sunday, October 11, at 9:00 AM IST.   

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