Tilak Varma to Lead India A in Rising Stars Asia Cup
The BCCI has named a 15-member India A squad for the ACC Men’s Rising Stars Asia Cup, with Tilak Varma entrusted with the captaincy and Rajat Patidar serving as his deputy. The tournament runs from November 19 to 29 in Qatar.
India A captaincy duties are back on for Tilak! 🤩🇮🇳
🗓️ November 19–29
📍 Doha, Qatar#RisingStarsAsiaCup https://t.co/VYLxvLySfN
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) November 2, 2026
The squad blends established white-ball performers with emerging talent. Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi form a youthful opening pair, while Rinku Singh provides finishing power in the middle order. Shahbaz Ahmed leads the all-round department, and the pace attack includes Harshit Rana, who returns to competitive cricket after his recent injury setbacks.
India A have been placed in Group B alongside Pakistan A, Nepal and UAE. Their campaign begins against Nepal on November 20. Progression to the semi-finals and final represents the immediate objective, with the broader purpose of building depth ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup providing the strategic backdrop to the selection.
The announcement drew a warm response from fans and IPL franchises, with Mumbai Indians among those celebrating a squad that balances experience with youth. For the players involved, the tournament offers a platform to press claims for higher honours in a competitive multi-nation setting.
Squad Composition
India A squad: Tilak Varma (captain), Rajat Patidar (vice-captain), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Rinku Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Harshit Rana and others to be confirmed.
The group’s mix reflects a deliberate approach. Openers with attacking instincts, finishers accustomed to pressure situations and bowlers returning to full fitness all feature in a selection that serves both the immediate task in Qatar and the longer-term planning for the global 50-over event.
India A’s opening fixture against Nepal on November 20 will set the tone for a campaign that carries significance beyond the trophy itself.
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