Overview
- The BCCI-confirmed red-ball series in Puducherry will be two four-day matches starting September 22, with Padikkal as captain and Sai Sudharsan as his vice-captain.
- Padikkal says captaincy helps his batting and frames the job as a development step after strong red-ball scores and consecutive Test centuries in Sri Lanka.
- Sudharsan is reported fit again and his inclusion as deputy sharpens a direct contest between the two for the India No.3 Test spot.
- Commentators have questioned the India A squad build, arguing selectors appear to have prioritised white-ball planning over a pure red-ball selection strategy.
- The Puducherry fixtures will also be used for fitness checks and match practice, so performances and pending clearances could influence final picks for the New Zealand Tests.