The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the India A squads for the upcoming practice matches against Australia A, to be held at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur from September 30 to October 5, 2025. While these matches are classified as unofficial ODIs, they serve an important role as practice games for both teams ahead of the full-fledged India vs Australia ODI series starting later in October.
For Indian fans, the big headline is once again the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Their return to action has been delayed, keeping the spotlight firmly on India’s younger crop of players.
A Split Captaincy Approach
The selectors have gone with an unusual but practical arrangement, two captains across three games.
- 1st ODI (Sept 30): Rajat Patidar will lead the side.
- 2nd & 3rd ODIs (Oct 3 & 5): Tilak Varma will take over once he joins after the Asia Cup, with Patidar serving as his deputy.
The India A Squads
1st ODI Squad:
Rajat Patidar (C), Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Riyan Parag, Ayush Badoni, Suryansh Shedge, Vipraj Nigam, Nishant Sindhu, Gurjapneet Singh, Yudhvir Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Abhishek Porel (WK), Priyansh Arya, Simarjeet Singh.
2nd & 3rd ODI Squads:
Tilak Varma (C), Rajat Patidar (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Riyan Parag, Ayush Badoni, Suryansh Shedge, Vipraj Nigam, Nishant Sindhu, Gurjapneet Singh, Yudhvir Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Abhishek Porel (WK), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh.
The squads mix IPL performers like Abhishek Sharma and Riyan Parag with consistent domestic talents such as Vipraj Nigam and Suryansh Shedge. With Prabhsimran Singh and Abhishek Porel as wicketkeepers and Ravi Bishnoi leading the spin attack, India A look well-balanced.
Rohit and Virat’s Return Still on Hold
The continued absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remains a major talking point. Both are fit, Kohli cleared tests in London, while Rohit did so at the BCCI Centre in Bengaluru, but the selectors are in no rush to throw them into these practice games.
A BCCI insider confirmed:
“They are expected to return directly for the senior ODI series against Australia starting October 19. Only if they feel they need match practice will they play before that.”
So, while these Kanpur matches won’t feature India’s two giants, they will still play a crucial role in preparations for the bigger battles to come.
Spotlight on Patidar & Tilak
Rajat Patidar
Patidar’s rise has been remarkable. From leading RCB to their maiden IPL title in 2025 to topping the scoring charts in the Duleep Trophy, he has shown both form and leadership qualities. His century in the Duleep final under pressure was another reminder of his temperament. This captaincy role is a well-earned reward.
Tilak Varma
At 22, Tilak is seen as one of India’s brightest batting prospects. His T20I centuries against South Africa showed his class, but his form in 2025 has been mixed. Leading India A in two games gives him a chance to prove not just his batting, but also his leadership skills, at a time when competition for middle-order spots is intense.
Australia A’s Challenge
Australia A are arriving with a competitive unit. IPL name Jake Fraser-McGurk, all-rounders Aaron Hardie and Cooper Connolly, and spinner Todd Murphy make them a well-rounded side. Like India A squad, they too are treating this as a preparation series before the senior teams meet.
Why This Series Matters
Even though these games won’t carry official international status, they are far from meaningless. For India, this series offers:
- A testing ground for leadership in the form of Patidar and Tilak.
- Match practice for fringe players such as Abhishek Sharma and Riyan Parag.
- A chance to judge bench strength before the real ODI series begins on October 19.
Final Word
The India A vs Australia A matches in Kanpur may not have Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli, but they still carry plenty of importance. They are a chance for the younger generation to make statements, for the selectors to assess options, and for fans to catch glimpses of the future.
The big India vs Australia ODI series is around the corner, but before that, Kanpur will set the stage. And if Patidar or Tilak grab the moment, it could open doors far beyond just this practice series.