Abhishek Sharma rightly snubbed for AUS ODIs: Biggest takeaways from IND-A vs AUS-A series

Riyan Parag shone brightly, Abhishek failed [Source: AFP]

On Sunday, India-A asserted their dominance on home soil, securing a clinical win over Australia-A in the three-match unofficial ODI series. Chasing a massive target of 317 runs, India-A went past the finish line in 46 overs, with Prabhsimran Singh and Riyan Parag guiding them to glory with power-packed knocks. 

As India-A's series against Australia marks its conclusion, here are three major takeaways from this tour. 

Abhishek Sharma yet to be ready for ODI cricket

(Abhishek Sharma's underwhelming numbers in List-A cricket and AUS-A ODIs)

• The rise of Abhishek Sharma in white-ball cricket, particularly T20Is, has been phenomenal. The explosive southpaw had a dream Asia Cup 2025 campaign, amassing the most runs in the tournament and playing a pivotal role in India's emphatic victory. 
• Abhishek Sharma's stellar show in the Asia Cup 2025 prompted the Indian fans to demand his fast-tracking into ODIs based on red-hot T20I form. He was also included in the Indian A side that locked horns with Australia-A in Kanpur. 
• However, Abhishek failed to live up to the hype, disappointing his fans and well-wishers on two consecutive occasions. After registering a golden duck in the second unofficial ODI, the left-handed batter managed just 22 runs off 25 deliveries in the subsequent outing. 
• Overall, Abhishek hasn't been quite phenomenal in List-A cricket either, amassing 2036 runs across 62 outings at a modest average of 34.50. On the other hand, his prime competitor, Yashasvi Jaiswal, has significantly better numbers in the format, scoring 1526 runs in 33 List-A games at a superb average of 52.62. 
• These stats and Abhishek's failure in the Australia-A ODIs signify that India rightly chose Jaiswal over him for the Australia ODIs, and the former must improve his 50-over game to claim a place in the star-studded Indian side. 

Riyan Parag for 2027 World Cup?

• Meanwhile, India-A's recent ODI series against their Australian counterparts witnessed Riyan Parag's scintillating form. The right-handed batter from Assam was at his absolute best, scoring 187 runs with the help of three consecutive fifties at an average of 62.33 and a blistering strike rate of 123.84. 
• Parag has also been clinical in 50-over domestic cricket, amassing 1922 runs at a healthy average of 42.71. Apart from strengthening India's middle order with his stoic technique and elegant stroke play, Parag can chip in with his handy spin bowling, as he has bagged 53 wickets in 47 List-A innings. 
• Considering Hardik Pandya has injury concerns and the likes of Nitish Reddy and Washington Sundar have yet to cement their place in the ODI side, Riyan Parag's heroics in the Australia-A ODIs could prompt India to bring him back in the 50-over format before the 2027 World Cup. 

Arshdeep Singh set to conquer ODIs, doubts over Harshit's prowess

• Despite proving his mettle in T20 Internationals, Arshdeep Singh hasn't got enough chances for India in ODIs. However, with India resting Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep is expected to lead the attack alongside Mohammed Siraj in the upcoming ODI series against Australia. 
• The left-arm seamer starred with the ball in the unofficial ODI series against Australia-A. He consistently troubled the visitors with his pace and movement, scalping three wickets at a superb strike rate of 28. Considering he was impressive on Kanpur's relatively batting-friendly deck, Arshdeep seems to be ready for his first major challenge in Australia, where he will get more seam-friendly tracks. 
• On the contrary, Harshit Rana, who has been picked for the Australia tour, was expensive against Australia-A on home soil. He conceded runs at an abysmal economy of 6.32, suggesting he must find ways to at least control the flow of runs. 

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