Lakshmipati Balaji appointed India A Head Coach

Former Indian fast bowler Lakshmipati Balaji has been appointed as the Head Coach for the India A team for the upcoming domestic series against Australia A in Puducherry. Balaji, who previously played for Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders and served on their coaching staffs, brings extensive experience to the role.

The series will feature two four-day matches scheduled for September 22–25 and September 29–October 2, followed by three One Day International (ODI) matches on October 6, 9, and 11.

In the Test format, the team will be captained by Devdutt Padikkal, featuring players such as Sai Sudharsan, Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Tushar Deshpande, and Anshul Kamboj. The ODI squad will be led by Ruturaj Gaikwad and includes Rajat Patidar, Sai Sudharsan, and Hardik Pandya, though Pandya's participation remains subject to fitness clearance.