India A struggle against Australia A in Puducherry as spinners take control

Spinners dominate early

Australia A spinners turned the screws as India A slumped to 122-5 in Puducherry in the ongoing tour match. The collapse set the tone for a competitive encounter between the two A sides.

India A fight back

India A later set Australia A a target of 363, with Sai Sudharsan embracing an opener role and stating communication with selectors was clear. Anshul Kamboj exploited a tricky Puducherry pitch as India A beat Australia A in a subsequent game.

Shams Mulani then spun India A into a 163-run lead against Australia A, underscoring the depth of spin options available to the hosts.

Domestic context

The A series forms part of a congested window that also features the Irani Cup, Ranji Trophy plans and build-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup. Morne Morkel has set India’s World Cup tone ahead of the West Indies series, while Hardik Pandya is reportedly set to miss India A fixtures as he races against time for the New Zealand tour.