India A vs Australia A: Sudharsan, Padikkal in Focus as Four-Day Opener Begins

Fit-again Sai Sudharsan will be under the spotlight as India A take on Australia A in the opening four-day first-class match at the CAP-Siechem Stadium here from Tuesday, with several players aiming to strengthen their claims for future Test selection.

Sudharsan, who has recovered from a fractured foot that required six weeks of rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, is set to open the innings for India A. The left-hander had impressed on India A's recent tour of Sri Lanka, scoring 132 and 168 in two first-class matches against Sri Lanka A.

The 24-year-old had batted at No. 3 in his seven Test appearances for India but has moved back to the opening role at the A level. He is now competing with Aman Mokhade for the reserve opener's spot, with India's selectors assessing options ahead of the three-Test tour of New Zealand and next year's five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.

India A captain Devdutt Padikkal, meanwhile, has strengthened his position at No. 3 after scoring two centuries during the recent Sri Lanka series. His performances have opened the door for Sudharsan to pursue the reserve opener's role.

Another player attracting attention is Mumbai off-spinner Tanush Kotian, who could be assessed as a potential reserve spinner. The selectors are keen to identify reliable replacements ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where injuries and workload could test squad depth.

For Australia A, the match provides valuable red-ball exposure to several players with Test ambitions, including Sam Konstas, Nathan McSweeney, Todd Murphy and Jhye Richardson. Veteran batter Peter Handscomb is also part of the squad.

Australia A coach Tim Paine praised Handscomb's ability against spin and said adapting to Indian conditions could benefit him if he returns to Test contention. He also stressed the importance of Doggett and Richardson experiencing India's heat, conditions and the different bowling lengths required in the country.

The tour is Australia's second A-team visit to India in 12 months, adding further importance to the preparation for the upcoming Test rivalry.