BCCI Unveils India A and Rest of India Squads for Australia A Series and Irani Cup

Mumbai, September 25, 2025 – The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has revealed the line-ups for the India A team set to face Australia A in a three-match one-day series and the Rest of India (ROI) squad for the prestigious Irani Cup. The announcements, made by the Senior Men’s Selection Committee, signal an exciting phase of domestic and international cricket, showcasing India’s emerging talent and seasoned stars.

The India A squad will take on Australia A in Kanpur, with the series kicking off on September 30, 2025. Meanwhile, the Irani Cup, pitting the Rest of India against Ranji Trophy 2024-25 champions Vidarbha, is scheduled to commence on October 1 in Nagpur. These fixtures are pivotal for players aiming to cement their credentials for higher honors in Indian cricket.

India A Squad for Australia A Series

For the first one-day match, Shreyas Iyer will lead a dynamic India A side, featuring:

• Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Prabhsimran Singh (Wicketkeeper), Riyan Parag, Ayush Badoni, Suryansh Shedge, Vipraj Nigam, Nishant Sindhu, Gurjapneet Singh, Yudhvir Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Abhishek Porel (Wicketkeeper), Priyansh Arya, Simarjeet Singh.

For the second and third matches, the squad sees the inclusion of Tilak Varma as vice-captain, alongside Abhishek Sharma, Harshit Rana, and Arshdeep Singh, replacing Priyansh Arya and Simarjeet Singh. The full squad is:

• Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Tilak Varma (Vice-Captain), Abhishek Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh (Wicketkeeper), Riyan Parag, Ayush Badoni, Suryansh Shedge, Vipraj Nigam, Nishant Sindhu, Gurjapneet Singh, Yudhvir Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Abhishek Porel (Wicketkeeper), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh.

This blend of youth and experience, including players like Riyan Parag and Ravi Bishnoi, reflects India A’s intent to dominate the series while testing bench strength ahead of international commitments.

Rest of India Squad for Irani Cup

The Rest of India squad, led by Rajat Patidar, will face Vidarbha in the Irani Cup, a marquee domestic fixture. The team comprises:

• Rajat Patidar (Captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad (Vice-Captain), Abhimanyu Easwaran, Aryan Juyal (Wicketkeeper), Yash Dhull, Shaikh Rasheed, Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper), Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Khaleel Ahmed, Akash Deep, Anshul Kamboj, Saransh Jain.

The squad features a mix of established names like Ishan Kishan and emerging talents like Yash Dhull, poised to challenge Vidarbha’s championship pedigree.

Shreyas Iyer’s Red-Ball Break

In a significant development, Shreyas Iyer has opted for a six-month hiatus from red-ball cricket to focus on his fitness and recovery. Having undergone back surgery in the UK, Iyer has faced recurring back spasms and stiffness during longer formats. The BCCI noted his decision to prioritize endurance and resilience, ruling him out of the Irani Cup despite his leadership role in the India A one-day series. “Shreyas has managed his recovery admirably but needs this period to strengthen his body for future challenges,” said BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia.

Strategic Implications

The selections underscore the BCCI’s commitment to nurturing talent while balancing player welfare. The India A series against Australia A offers a platform for youngsters to shine against international competition, while the Irani Cup tests domestic stalwarts in a high-stakes red-ball contest. Iyer’s absence from the Irani Cup opens opportunities for others, with Patidar’s captaincy signaling confidence in India’s next generation of leaders.

As Indian cricket gears up for a packed season, these squads reflect a strategic blend of aggression, skill, and depth. Fans eagerly await the action in Kanpur and Nagpur, where the future of Indian cricket will take center stage.