Tilak Varma to Captain India A for Rising Stars Asia Cup
BCCI announces 15-member India A squad for the ACC Men's Rising Stars Asia Cup in Doha. Tilak Varma captains the side featuring Rinku Singh and Abhishek Sharma.
The BCCI Men's Selection Committee has officially unveiled the 15-member India A squad for the upcoming Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Men's Rising Stars Asia Cup. In a move to groom future leaders, batter Tilak Varma has been appointed as the captain of the side, with Rajat Patidar serving as his deputy.
The tournament is set to take place in Doha, Qatar, from November 19 to November 29, 2026, providing a high-stakes platform for India's emerging talents to showcase their skills on the international stage.
A Power-Packed Squad
The squad is a blend of explosive hitters and promising young talents. The batting lineup looks formidable with the inclusion of Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, and the young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. These players are expected to bring aggression and depth to the Indian batting order.
Behind the stumps, the team will rely on wicketkeeper-batters Prabhsimran Singh and Kumar Kushagra. The all-round department is well-stocked with versatile players including Shahbaz Ahmed, Suryansh Shedge, Vipraj Nigam, Harsh Dubey, and Tanush Kotian, ensuring the team has plenty of options for both batting and bowling.
The Bowling Attack
To spearhead the bowling department, the selection committee has picked a pace trio consisting of:
- Harshit Rana
- Prince Yadav
- Arshad Khan
Tournament Format and Groupings
India A has been placed in Group B, where they will face stiff competition from Pakistan A, Nepal, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The clash between India A and Pakistan A is undoubtedly the most anticipated fixture of the group stage.
Meanwhile, Group A consists of Bangladesh A, Sri Lanka A, Afghanistan A, and Hong Kong, China. The competition will be intense as only the top two teams from each group will secure a spot in the semi-finals.
Key Dates to Remember
- Tournament Duration: November 19 to November 29
- Semi-Finals: November 26 and 27
- Grand Final: November 29
Full India A Squad List
The complete 15-member squad is as follows:
Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Tilak Varma (C), Rajat Patidar (VC), Rinku Singh, Kumar Kushagra (WK), Suryansh Shedge, Shahbaz Ahmed, Vipraj Nigam, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Harshit Rana, Prince Yadav, and Arshad Khan.