Hardik Pandya for India - (Source: AFP)On Friday, September 25, Team India dealt a heavy blow because Hardik Pandya has picked up a fresh injury. The 32-year-old, who has been nursing several injuries since IPL 2026, is set to miss another key series.A report from Times of India mentioned that Hardik Pandya has experienced pain in his right shin and will not be available for the key Australia series. The MI captain was set to mark his return to the field with India A vs Australia A series, but his return has been delayed.Suryansh Shedge Front-runner to replace Hardik PandyaIn the latest events, a report from Times of India mentioned that Punjab Kings’ all-rounder Suryansh Shedge is the frontrunner to replace Hardik Pandya in India A squad for the Australia A series. The 23-year-old is currently at the CoE, where he is sweating hard in the nets.The BCCI has not dropped an official statement on the same, but Shedge is expected to join India A squad soon. Notably, the three-match One-Day series will commence from October 6 and all the matches will be played in Puducherry.Suryansh recently was part of India's squad for Zimbabwe T20Is and was gearing up for the upcoming domestic season. He will represent Mumbai, but an India call-up means he will skip few matches of the Ranji Trophy.Why Is Suryansh Shedge The Front-Runner To Replace Hardik Pandya?Suryansh Shedge is having a brilliant year. The 23-year-old impressed in IPL 2026 which caught selectors' attention. The PBKS batter scored 158 runs in 7 innings, which helped him earn a India A call-up.Also Read: India Coach Spills Nitish Reddy's Status For 2027 World Cup Amid Hardik Pandya's InjuryNotably, India A toured Sri Lanka in June, where Suryansh Shedge scored 147 runs in 5 innings, averaging 36.75. The selectors were highly impressed by the performance and it helped him earn a India call-up.Shedge's debut didn't go as per plans, but he is the front-runner because of his all-round abilities. India lack quality seam bowling all-rounders and Suryansh is one of them. He is in BCCI's scheme of things and the apex board is looking to groom him and shape the youngster as a potential star to be part of India's 2027 ODI World Cup squad.Suryansh Shedge's Performance In Domestic CircuitSuryavansh Shedge boasts decent record in domestic circuit. The 23-year-old has played 15 List A matches, scoring 258 runs and averaging 21.50. With the ball, Shedge has 11 wickets to his name as well.The right-handed batter rose to prominence during SMAT 2024, where he played a brilliant 36 (15) in the final against Madhya Pradesh. However, there is a lot to improve, which is why the BCCI might want him to play more matches for the A side, before returning to the first-string side.Also Read: Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube Receive Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Warning From Indian Legend
