Delhi: Lakshmipathy Balaji, former fast bowler of Indian cricket team and Chennai Super Kings, has got a big responsibility from BCCI. He has been appointed the head coach of India A team for the home series against Australia A. According to PTI report, the matches between the two teams will be played in Puducherry.

Balaji has good experience of coaching in domestic cricket and IPL. He has also been a part of the coaching staff with the teams of Chennai Super Kings and Tamil Nadu.

Balaji's international cricket career statistics

Lakshmipathy Balaji's cricket career has been quite special. He played 8 Tests, 30 ODIs and 5 T20 International matches for India. Balaji was known for his accurate bowling and swing. 2

Made a name for himself in coaching after retirement

After retiring from cricket, Balaji made coaching his new path. In the IPL, he worked as a bowling coach with Chennai Super Kings and was associated with the team's bowlers for a long time.

He also has experience in Tamil Nadu cricket. This is why his experience of domestic cricket and understanding the needs of young players can be very useful for India A.

Changes in India A team also

One change has also been made in the India A team for the series against Australia A. Andhra Pradesh off-spinner Tripurana Vijay has been included in the team.

He has got a place in the team in place of leg spinner Vipraj Nigam. Vipraj Nigam has been included in the Indian team for the Asian Games 2026 and the one-off T20 match against Japan after the injury to Varun Chakraborty.

The series will be played in Puducherry

The first two unofficial four-day Test matches will be played between India A and Australia A. After this, both the teams will face each other in a three-match unofficial ODI series.

This tour will be important for those young Indian players, who are knocking on the doors of the Indian team by performing well in domestic cricket. A good performance in India A will give him a chance to get noticed by the selectors.