Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar for RCB in IPL (Source: AFP)The BCCI has announced the India A squads for the upcoming limited-overs and multi-day series against Australia A. All the matches will be played in Puducherry, with the first four-day game scheduled from September 22 to 25 and the second from September 29 to October 2. The three one-day matches will be played on October 6, 9 and 11. The 50-over leg could be particularly important for India's plans ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Virat Kohli remains one of India's biggest names in ODI cricket, but despite that, the ODI World Cup is still more than a year away. In such a scenario, even Kohli needs to deliver consistently to stay in contention for a spot in India's World Cup squad. In fact, BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla recently refused to guarantee Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma's World Cup inclusion, leaving the ultimate call to the selectors. The selectors will look at his backup options who can take responsibility at no. 3 and strengthen India's top order. On that note, here's a look at three players who can keep Virat Kohli on his toes before the 2027 World Cup by performing in the India-A vs Australia-A One-Day matches. India A One-Day squad vs Australia A: Priyansh Arya, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal [VC], Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Rajat Patidar, Kumar Kushagra (WK), Nishant Sindhu, Vipraj Nigam, Arshin Kulkarni, Arshad Khan, Naman Dhir, Hardik Pandya (subject to fitness clearance), Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Gurjapneet Singh, Yash ThakurAlso Read: 3 India A Players Who Could Trigger Rohit Sharma Replacement Debate Immediately3. Devdutt PadikkalDevdutt Padikkal, the left-handed batter, has improved across formats and recently showed class form with two centuries in the Test series in Sri Lanka. He has also been given an important leadership role, having been named India A captain for the two unofficial Tests against Australia A.His numbers at no. 3 are also encouraging as a replacement for Virat Kohli. In Tests, Padikkal has batted at No. 3 in five innings, scoring 353 runs at an average of 70.60, including two centuries.Padikkal’s IPL numbers at no. 3 are also impressive. He has scored 947 runs in 36 innings at the position, with an average of 27.85 and a strong strike rate of 152.01.If Prabhsimran Singh and Sai Sudharsan open for India A, Padikkal could get an opportunity at no. 3. Consistent performances against Australia A would make him an attractive long-term option for Virat Kohli.Another factor is that he provides flexibility because of his left-handed batting, as India's batting relies heavily on right-handed batters.2. Rajat PatidarRajat Patidar is another player who could put pressure on selectors for a spot in the ODI World Cup in place of Virat Kohli. His ability to score quickly, particularly against spin, makes him an interesting option.Taking a look at his stats, the RCB captain has shown remarkable form recently. In IPL 2026, he made 501 runs on 14 innings at an average of 41.75 and a strike rate of 192.69. At no. 3 for RCB, he has played 16 innings and scored 543 runs at an average of 36.20 and a strike rate of 152.10.His List A record also gives him a strong foundation. Patidar has scored 2,278 runs in 67 List A matches at an average of 37.34.However, Patidar has limited ODI experience, having played only one ODI for India, against South Africa in December 2023, when he scored 22 runs. However, a strong India A series could help him push his case again for the ODI format.Also Read: State T20 League-Wise Players Announced In India-A ODI Squad vs Australia-A1. Ruturaj GaikwadRuturaj Gaikwad could be the first name in this discussion as a potential replacement for Virat Kohli in the ODI World Cup. Taking a look at his List A record, the star player has scored 5,334 runs in 104 List A matches at a phenomenal average of 58.61.His international performances have also shown he can handle high-quality opposition. In India’s three-match ODI series against South Africa, Gaikwad scored 113 runs in two innings at an average of 56.50 and a strike rate of 116.49. His best performance came in the second ODI, when he scored 105 runs from 83 balls.Gaikwad can open the innings, but his technique and temperament also give India the option of using him further down the order if required.Also Read: PCB Fixes Imam-ul-Haq, Rizwan, Salman Agha's Cricket Comeback After Pakistan Snub
