Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024: Three India A players to watch out for, featuring Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma and Other IPL Stars

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Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024: As last year’s runners-up, India A are gearing up for the Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024, set to begin on Friday, 18 October, in Oman. The Men in Blues have announced a squad boasting a mix of talent drawn from the IPL and the domestic circuit.

Led by Mumbai Indians batter Tilak Varma, India A will enter the tournament as title favourites, hoping to go one step further than 2023. With this goal in mind, let’s take a look at the five Indian players who are expected to play a key role in India A’s title charge in the Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024.

#5. Sai Kishore

27-year-old bowler Sai Kishore has been a consistent performer in Indian domestic cricket, steadily climbing the ranks to become one of Tamil Nadu's premier spinners. Kishore first gained attention in the 2018–19 Ranji Trophy, finishing as Tamil Nadu's highest wicket-taker, and later excelled in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Having been a part of the IPL since 2020, Kishore tasted success with Gujarat Titans in 2022, finishing with six wickets. In 2023, he made his international debut at the Asian Games, helping India secure a gold medal in cricket and taking 13 wickets in the IPL. A strong performance in the Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 could boost his international career further.

#4. Ayush Badoni

Ayush Badoni has built a reputation as a fearless middle-order batter, gaining recognition with his performances in both the IPL and domestic cricket. Badoni made headlines with a half-century on his IPL debut in 2022 for Lucknow Super Giants. Since then, he has scored 634 runs in the IPL at a strike rate of 134.04.

Known for his ability to clear the boundary, Badoni earlier this year hit 19 sixes in a single innings during the Delhi Premier League 2024. Despite his achievements, he has yet to play for the national team, but a stellar performance in this tournament could open that door for him.

3. Nehal Wadhera

Punjab-born Nehal Wadhera has earned recognition as a promising talent following his last IPL season with Mumbai Indians. In 20 matches, Wadhera has scored 350 runs at a strike rate of 140.00, with a memorable half-century against Chennai Super Kings in 2023.

He has been equally successful in first-class cricket, scoring 760 runs in 19 innings, including a double hundred in his debut Ranji Trophy season. Wadhera’s consistent form earned him a place in the India A squad for the Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024.

2. Tilak Varma

21-year-old Tilak Varma is one of India’s brightest young talents, having made his T20I debut in 2023. Varma’s IPL career with Mumbai Indians have been outstanding, with 397 runs in 2022 and 343 runs in 2023 at an average of 42.87 and a strike rate of 164.11.

Varma, who became the second-youngest Indian to score a T20I fifty, will lead India A in this tournament. His experience and leadership will be key for India A as they chase the title in Oman.

1. Abhishek Sharma

India’s spin prodigy Abhishek Sharma has already made his mark in domestic cricket, the IPL, and the international stage, where he made his T20I debut in 2024. The 24-year-old left-hander scored his maiden international century in just his second T20I appearance.

Abhishek has been equally impressive in the IPL, scoring 484 runs in 2024 for Sunrisers Hyderabad at a strike rate of over 200. His performances in the Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 could solidify his place as a future star for the Indian team.

Notable Mentions: Vaibhav Arora and Rasikh Salam

Vaibhav Arora and Rasikh Salam are two promising Indian fast bowlers who have shown remarkable potential in domestic cricket and the IPL.

26-year-old Arora made his IPL debut with Kolkata Knight Riders and has taken 30 wickets in the last two seasons. Rasikh Salam, hailing from Kashmir, became one of the youngest players to debut for Mumbai Indians at just 17. Despite facing a two-year ban, he has returned to cricket and currently plays for Delhi Capitals.

Both players are seen as future stars in Indian cricket with the potential to shine on the international stage.