Tilak Varma to captain India A in Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026; Rajat Patidar named vice-captain

The BCCI selection committee has announced the India 'A' squad for the ACC Men's Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026. Tilak Varma has been named captain and Rajat Patidar will be vice-captain. The tournament will be played in Doha, Qatar, from November 19 to 29 this year. It is seen as a big opportunity for several young players to showcase their talent.

The batting line-up blends experience and youth. The squad includes 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who recently drew attention with his explosive batting. However, he got to play only two matches in the T20 series against New Zealand. At the top of the order are aggressive batters Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Suryavanshi, both capable of putting the opposition under pressure in the early overs.

Prabhsimran Singh, Kumar Kushagra and Rinku Singh have been picked to strengthen the middle order. Suryansh Shedge is also part of the squad. Rinku Singh in particular will be expected to score quickly in the final overs and take the team to a big total in difficult situations.

The squad also looks strong in the all-rounder department. The selection committee has picked Shahbaz Ahmed, Vipraj Nigam, Harsh Dubey and Tanush Kotian. These players can contribute with both bat and ball. This gives captain Tilak Varma several options to balance the playing XI. The spin bowling of these all-rounders could also prove useful in Qatar's conditions.

Harshit Rana is the biggest name in the pace attack. He will lead the fast bowlers with his speed and aggressive bowling. Prince Yadav and Arshad Khan are also in the squad alongside him.

As per the tournament format, India 'A' have been placed in Group 'B'. Along with India, the group has the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Nepal and Pakistan 'A'. Group 'A' will have Bangladesh 'A', Sri Lanka 'A', Afghanistan 'A' and Hong Kong.

The full squad: Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Prabhsimran Singh (wicketkeeper), Tilak Varma, Rajat Patidar, Rinku Singh, Kumar Kushagra, Suryansh Shedge, Shahbaz Ahmed, Vipraj Nigam, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Harshit Rana, Prince Yadav and Arshad Khan.