India A and Australia A to compete in Puducherry cricket series

Puducherry is set to host a multi-format series between India A and Australia A at the CAP-Siechem Stadium. The tour consists of two unofficial four-day red-ball matches followed by three one-day matches.

The red-ball matches are scheduled for September 22–25 and September 29–October 2. The one-day series will take place on October 6, 9, and 11. These fixtures serve as critical preparation for players eyeing spots in future major series, including the 2026-27 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

India A’s red-ball squad is led by captain Devdutt Padikkal and includes players such as Sai Sudharsan, Tushar Deshpande, and Anshul Kamboj. The one-day squad will be captained by Ruturaj Gaikwad and features Hardik Pandya, whose inclusion is subject to fitness clearance following a period of injury absence.

Australia A’s red-ball lineup features Peter Handscomb, Brendan Doggett, and Jhye Richardson. The white-ball squad includes Mahli Beardman and Spencer Johnson. This series marks the first time the Cricket Association of Pondicherry will stage an entire A-series.