India A Squad Announced for ACC Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Included, Tilak Varma to Captain

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a 15-member India A squad for the upcoming ACC Men's Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026, scheduled to take place in Doha, Qatar, from November 19 to 29.

Tilak Varma will captain the side, with experienced IPL campaigner Rajat Patidar appointed as his deputy. The squad features a mix of established international cricketers, emerging talents and promising performers from India's domestic circuit, offering several players an opportunity to strengthen their claims for higher honours.

Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi headline the batting line-up. Both players bring considerable T20 experience, with Abhishek having established himself as an explosive opening batter for India. Sooryavanshi, meanwhile, continues to attract attention for his aggressive approach and performances in franchise cricket.

The squad also includes Rinku Singh, who has developed a reputation as a dependable finisher, alongside Prabhsimran Singh and Kumar Kushagra as wicketkeeping options. Suryansh Shedge, Shahbaz Ahmed are among the all-rounders.

The pace attack will feature Harshit Rana, Prince Yadav and Arshad Khan, giving India A a combination of pace, variations and different bowling options. Harsh Dubey's inclusion also adds a left-arm spin option, while the presence of Shahbaz and Vipraj provides further variety.

India A's Group B Challenge

India A have been placed in Group B alongside arch-rivals Pakistan A, the United Arab Emirates and Nepal. Their group-stage campaign will offer an opportunity to test themselves against different styles of opposition before the knockout rounds.

Group A comprises Bangladesh A, Sri Lanka A, Afghanistan A and Hong Kong, China.

The tournament will follow a two-group format, with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the semi-finals. The last-four matches are scheduled for November 26 and 27, while the final will be played on November 29.

With a blend of international experience, IPL exposure and emerging domestic talent, India A will look to make a strong impression in Doha and compete for the Rising Stars Asia Cup title.

India A Squad For Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026

Tilak Varma (C), Rajat Patidar (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Rinku Singh, Kumar Kushagra (WK), Suryansh Shedge, Shahbaz Ahmed, Vipraj Nigam, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Harshit Rana, Prince Yadav, Arshad Khan