India, Oct. 6 -- India A will begin their three-match unofficial ODI series against Australia A in Puducherry, with Ruturaj Gaikwad leading a batting-heavy squad. The captain will be joined by Devdutt Padikkal, Sai Sudharsan and Rajat Patidar, all of whom have featured at the senior international level. The series was initially expected to provide Hardik Pandya with a competitive comeback, but a right shin injury has ruled the all-rounder out, with Suryansh Shedge brought in as his replacement.

The absence of Pandya also creates an opportunity for India A's younger players to step up and make an impression. Fast bowlers Gurjapneet Singh, Arshad Khan and Yash Thakur will be among those under the spotlight as they look to push their claims...