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Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devdutt Padikkal hurt World Cup 2027 hopes with Australia A failures

India A’s hopes of salvaging the three-match ODI series against Australia A were dashed in the final game at the Cricket Association Puducherry Siechem Ground, as key batters failed to capitalize on early momentum. Ruturaj Gaikwad, the India A captain, managed just 33 runs off 57 balls before being dismissed by Mitchell Owen, ending his series with a total of 60 runs.

Devdutt Padikkal, another top-order player, continued his struggles, scoring only two runs in the match and finishing the series with a combined total of three runs across three innings. The team’s early promise—highlighted by an 82-run opening partnership between Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh—was quickly undone as wickets fell in quick succession, including Padikkal’s dismissal by Liam Scott after a mistimed shot.

Australia A’s bowlers, led by Scott and Ben Dwarshuis, maintained pressure, reducing India A to 165 for six and securing a series whitewash. The match underscored challenges for several Indian players ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, where consistent performances will be critical for securing spots in the senior team.

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