The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday announced a strong 15-member India A squad for the ACC Men’s Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026, handing the captaincy to Tilak Varma and naming Rajat Patidar as his deputy. The tournament will be played in Doha, Qatar, from November 19 to 29, and the headline fixture is already circled on every fan’s calendar: India A against Pakistan A on November 22.
The announcement, made by the BCCI men’s selection committee, brings together some of the most exciting young names in Indian cricket. Explosive opener Abhishek Sharma, teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and finisher Rinku Singh are all in the squad, alongside two wicketkeeping options in Prabhsimran Singh and Kumar Kushagra.
For Tilak, this is another step in a fast-rising leadership journey. The left-hander has already captained India A before, and he now leads a group that blends senior-team experience with raw youth. Patidar, who has led an IPL-winning side, brings calm and tactical nous as vice-captain.
India A squad for Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026
Here is the full 15-member squad announced by the BCCI:
- Captain: Tilak Varma
- Vice-captain: Rajat Patidar
- Batters: Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Rinku Singh
- Wicketkeepers: Prabhsimran Singh, Kumar Kushagra
- All-rounders: Suryansh Shedge, Shahbaz Ahmed, Vipraj Nigam, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian
- Bowlers: Harshit Rana, Prince Yadav, Arshad Khan
The pace attack will be led by Harshit Rana, whose return is one of the notable stories of the squad. The fast bowler has been sidelined with injury since the tour of England, and this tournament marks his comeback to competitive cricket. Prince Yadav and left-armer Arshad Khan complete the seam options, while the spin and all-round department offers plenty of variety through Shahbaz Ahmed, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian and Vipraj Nigam.
Why these names matter
Abhishek Sharma’s inclusion is the biggest talking point for fans. The opener has been one of India’s most destructive T20 batters this year, and his presence at the top gives India A instant firepower. Alongside him, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continues his remarkable rise. Still a teenager, he has already made headlines well beyond his age group, and a tournament like this is exactly the stage where reputations are built.
Rinku Singh needs little introduction. The finisher has made a career out of impossible chases and calm finishes, and in a short tournament where one over can change everything, that skill is priceless. Prabhsimran Singh, meanwhile, offers both an opening option and a wicketkeeping alternative, giving the team management flexibility in picking the final eleven.
India A’s road: Nepal, Pakistan A, UAE
India A have been placed in Group B alongside Pakistan A, Nepal and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Group A features Bangladesh A, Sri Lanka A, Afghanistan A and Hong Kong, China. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, scheduled for November 26 and 27, with the final on November 29.
India A’s group fixtures are:
- November 20: India A vs Nepal, West End Park International Stadium, Doha
- November 22: India A vs Pakistan A, West End Park International Stadium, Doha
- November 24: India A vs UAE
The Nepal opener will be about shaking off rust and finding combinations. The Pakistan A game, two days later, needs no build-up: it is the fixture every fan will watch, and Pakistan A arrive as defending champions. The final
group game against UAE could well decide who tops the group and who faces the tougher semi-final draw.
What is the Rising Stars Asia Cup?
The Rising Stars Asia Cup is the Asian Cricket Council’s showcase for the continent’s next generation. It gives A teams and emerging sides a proper tournament setting, with group stages, knockouts and a final, rather than a one-off bilateral series. For players on the edge of the senior team, it is a genuine audition: perform here, and selectors notice.
What to watch in Doha
Three storylines will dominate India’s campaign. First, how Tilak handles the captaincy while also anchoring the middle order with the bat. Second, whether Abhishek and Vaibhav can translate their domestic and franchise form into tournament-defining innings. And third, how Harshit Rana’s comeback goes: if he rediscovers his rhythm quickly, India’s bowling attack looks far more threatening.
For now, though, the message from the BCCI announcement is simple: India A are going to Doha to win. The squad is strong, the leadership is settled, and the Pakistan A clash on November 22 gives the tournament its early spark.
FAQs
Who is the captain of India A for the Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026?
Tilak Varma will captain India A, with Rajat Patidar as vice-captain.
When and where is the Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026?
The tournament runs from November 19 to 29, 2026, in Doha, Qatar.
When do India A play Pakistan A?
India A face Pakistan A on Sunday, November 22, at the West End Park International Stadium in Doha.
Who are the big names in the India A squad?
Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Rinku Singh, Prabhsimran Singh and Harshit Rana are among the prominent picks.
When are the semi-finals and final?
The semi-finals are scheduled for November 26 and 27, and the final will be played on November 29.
India A’s campaign begins against Nepal on November 20. One win at a time, and this young side could return from Doha with a trophy and several new stars.
