India A wrapped up their unofficial ODI series with some consolation, putting on a clinical all-round display to defeat Australia A by 49 runs in the third and final match. Having already lost the opening two fixtures of the rubber, the hosts secured a well-earned consolation victory to prevent a series sweep, though Australia A ultimately claimed the series 2–1.
Shedge, Gurjapneet shine as India A salvage consolation win over AUS A
A vital half-century from hard-hitting middle-order batter Suryansh Shedge, who joined the squad as a replacement for senior star Hardik Pandya, alongside a incisive three-wicket haul by left-arm pacer Gurjapneet Singh, proved to be the catalyst for India A's turnaround.
Solid start by Priyansh, Prabhsimran
Asked to take first guard on a sporting pitch, India A unveiled a fresh opening combination. Punjab Kings IPL teammates Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh were handed the mantle at the top of the order, replacing B Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal. The tactical shuffle paid immediate dividends as the pair launched a scathing attack in the powerplay, racing to 82 without loss inside the first ten overs.
Just as the partnership threatened to run away with the game, Australia A struck back. First-change bowler Liam Scott broke the stand right after the powerplay restrictions ended, removing Prabhsimran for a brisk 34-ball 39. Padikkal, bumped up to No. 3, endured a brief stay before walking back.
Arya continued to play with aggressive intent but suffered heartbreak, falling agonizingly short of a milestone when he edged Ben Dwarshuis behind for 49. Plagued by inconsistent batting performances throughout the series, India A suffered another familiar collapse, slumping from a comfortable 106 for 2 to a precarious 159 for 6.
Shedge, Nigam rescue India A
With the innings on the brink of unraveling, Suryansh Shedge stepped up. Arriving in the squad as an injury replacement for Hardik Pandya, Shedge seized the opportunity with both hands. He found an ideal partner in leg-spin-bowling all-rounder Vipraj Nigam.
The duo staged a magnificent rescue act, anchoring the innings through a resilient 85-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Shedge played a counter-attacking knock, bringing up his fifty off just 47 deliveries. He eventually fell for a stellar 66 off 60 balls, an innings adorned with seven crisp boundaries and two towering sixes. Nigam complemented him brilliantly with a patient 40 off 44 balls before falling to Will Sutherland. Bolstered by this late-order resistance, India A posted a competitive total of 275.
Gurjapneet triggers dramatic Aussie collapse
Chasing 275, Australia A launched a brisk reply. Openers Josh Philippe and Liam Scott capitalized on the powerplay, accumulating 61 runs in the first ten overs. The pair stitched together a threatening 82-run partnership before Vipraj Nigam broke through, trapping Philippe leg-before for a fluent 56.
Spin struck again in the very next over when Nishant Sindhu forced Scott into a nick behind the wicket. However, Lachlan Shaw and series anchor Nathan McSweeney steadied the ship, keeping the visitors firmly on course.
The turning point arrived when Gurjapneet Singh intervened. The left-arm speedster removed McSweeney, the tournament's leading run-scorer, courtesy of a sharp catch behind by wicketkeeper substitute Kumar Kushagra. McSweeney's dismissal opened the floodgates, triggering a stunning collapse. Australia A lost their last seven wickets for just 49 runs as the required run-rate soared. The tourists were eventually bundled out for 226 in 44.2 overs.
Gurjapneet led the bowling figures with three crucial wickets, supported by disciplined spells from Sindhu (2/42) and Yash Thakur (2/35). Vipraj Nigam (1/47) walked away with the Player of the Match award for his all-round brilliance, while McSweeney was named Player of the Series.
Suryansh Shedge's rising stocks
Representing Mumbai in domestic cricket, Shedge has steadily built a reputation as a dynamic all-rounder across all three formats of the game. In his burgeoning First-Class career, Shedge has accumulated 439 runs across eight matches while also chipping in with a wicket. His white-ball numbers highlight his value as a genuine multi-skilled option. In 17 List A appearances, he has contributed 271 runs alongside 16 wickets, demonstrating an ability to break partnerships with his seam bowling. Meanwhile, in the shortest format, Shedge has featured in 33 T20 matches, scoring 364 runs and capturing 13 wickets with his aggressive batting and handy bowling spells.
As he continues to make waves on the domestic circuit—including earning high-profile India A call-ups as a replacement—Shedge is set to feature prominently for Mumbai in the ongoing 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season.
Hardik Pandya's injury concerns continue
As far as Pandya is concerned, his ongoing tussle with fitness concerns continues to cloud his availability for Indian cricket. India's superstar allrounder, who turned 33 on October 11, has been completely sidelined from competitive action since May 2026, when he sustained an injury during the latter stages of IPL. His absence from the 50-over format extends even further back, having not featured in a single One-Day International since India's triumphant ICC Champions Trophy final in March 2025.
The 32-year-old was initially positioned to make his long-awaited return after being named in the India A squad for the three-match unofficial ODI series against Australia A. However, persistent physical issues forced him out of the squad prior to the series, further prolonging his spell on the sidelines. Reports indicate that Pandya experienced severe discomfort and pain while bowling during practice sessions, signaling that his body is not yet ready to withstand the intense workloads required for competitive bowling.Pandya’s road to recovery has been plagued by a series of physical setbacks. What began as back spasms that ruled him out of the IPL's final games transformed into a prolonged rehab period at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. While working through his initial rehabilitation, the marquee all-rounder suffered additional blows, sustaining both quadriceps and shin injuries. With his recovery taking longer than anticipated, India’s medical and management teams remain cautious. As the national side balances its white-ball commitments, restoring Hardik Pandya to full fitness, and ensuring he can bowl at maximum capacity without recurring pain, remains a top priority before he is reintegrated into the international setup.