Suryansh Shedge replaces Hardik in India A squad [Source: AFP]In the latest development, Mumbai all-rounder, Suryansh Shedge has reportedly replaced Hardik Pandya in the India A squad for the three-match ODI series against Australia A, starting on Tuesday.Hardik was originally included in the India A side; however, he experienced discomfort in his right calf during his rehabilitation at the CoE, and now, according to TOI, Shedge, who recently made his India debut, will feature in the India A games.Shedge to miss Ranji Trophy opener, joins India-A squad vs AustraliaThe talented 23-year-old all-rounder will miss Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy 2026-27 opener as the player has been drafted into the A team, with the three ODIs taking place in Puducherry.A minor quad injury kept the Mumbaikar out of the game, but TOI reported that he is fit to play and will be a replacement for the injured Hardik Pandya."Shedge had gone to the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for a fitness assessment, and after being cleared by the CoE's medical team, left for Puducherry yesterday," a source tracking developments told TOI on Sunday.Also Read: Hardik Pandya's Injury Details Revealed; How Long Will He Be Out For?Mumbai will miss his services in the Ranji opener, but India A will get a solid all-rounder, who can replace Hardik in the playing XI against Australia.Hardik's comeback delayed with latest setbackHardik Pandya last played a competitive cricket game in the IPL 2026, and since then, he has been kept on the sidelines as the player missed the crucial UK tour, and the home series against Afghanistan and the West Indies.Earlier, it was reported that the star Indian player was recovering from a bone-stress response in his right tibia, which ruled him out of the India A vs Australia A games.However, on Sunday, Dainik Jagran reported that Hardik sustained a fresh injury blow as he experienced discomfort in his right calf, and he became aware of the situation after undergoing a fitness assessment on September 19.An MRI later revealed that the all-rounder suffered mild intramedullary edema, which matches right medial tibial stress syndrome. Hence, he might be out for another 6-8 weeks, and it comes as a massive blow for the Men in Blue.With Hardik ruled out of the India A games, there is a chance that he might also miss the white-ball series against the New Zealand side, which commences later this month. Moreover, the Indian team management is also carefully managing his injury, since the player is of utmost importance to them.Also Read: Shubman Gill Gets 9 Out Of 10: India Players' Rating After ODI Series vs West Indies
