Tilak Varma to Captain India A at ACC Rising Stars Asia Cup
Tilak Varma will lead India A at the upcoming ACC Rising Stars Asia Cup, with Rajat Patidar appointed vice-captain for a tournament that brings together emerging talent and established performers. The competition begins in Doha on November 19, and this year’s edition will be played in the 50-over format, a change from the T20 tournament held at the same venue last year.
India A’s squad combines explosive top-order batters, experienced middle-order options and a varied bowling attack. The selection also gives several players an opportunity to make a strong case for future senior-team opportunities, including Harshit Rana, who is looking to build momentum after dealing with injuries this year.
Powerful batting options headline India A squad
India A’s top order features Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Prabhsimran Singh. Abhishek arrives with a reputation for aggressive batting and is currently the world’s No. 1 T20I batter. While the shift to 50-over cricket calls for a different pace and approach, his ability to put pressure on bowlers could make him a major factor in the opening overs.
Sooryavanshi, one of the tournament’s young attractions, offers another attacking option. Prabhsimran brings experience as a wicketkeeper-batter and a proven record of scoring runs in the IPL. Together, the trio gives India A several ways to shape an innings, whether the team needs a brisk start or a platform for a longer total.
Captain Tilak Varma is expected to play a central role in the middle order, where his ability to adapt to changing match situations will be valuable. Patidar, the vice-captain, adds further batting depth, while Rinku Singh brings a reputation for composure and clean hitting under pressure. Kumar Kushagra has been named as the reserve wicketkeeper after a recent brief call-up to India’s T20 squad.
Suryansh Shedge provides another middle-order option, giving the selectors flexibility when balancing the batting and bowling combinations. With a 50-over schedule, India A will need more than power: partnerships, strike rotation and the ability to accelerate late in the innings are likely to be just as important.
Spin depth and pace options strengthen the bowling attack
The selectors have opted for depth in the spin department, naming Harsh Dubey, Shahbaz Ahmed, Vipraj Nigam and Tanush Kotian. That range of options could prove useful across the group stage, particularly if conditions in Doha favour slower bowling or reward teams that can control the middle overs.
Dubey is one of only three players retained from the 2025 squad, alongside Sooryavanshi and Shedge. The remaining selections reflect a refreshed group assembled for a different format and a new set of challenges. Having several spin options also gives captain Varma the opportunity to adjust the attack to match conditions and the opposition’s batting line-up.
Harshit Rana leads the pace conversation, with the tournament offering him a chance to regain rhythm after an injury-affected year. A strong showing could help strengthen his case for a return to India’s senior ODI setup. Arshad Khan and Prince Yadav are the other frontline fast-bowling options, giving India A a mix of pace resources to support its spin-heavy selection.
India A’s group-stage fixtures in Doha
India A have been placed in Group B alongside Pakistan A, Nepal and the United Arab Emirates. Their campaign begins against Nepal on November 20, followed by a high-profile meeting with Pakistan A on November 22. The group stage concludes against the UAE on November 24.
The top two teams in the group will progress to the semifinals, making each fixture important. India A will be keen to start well against Nepal before facing Pakistan A in a match that is likely to draw particular attention from cricket fans. The final group game against the UAE could also prove decisive if qualification remains open.
For a young side, the schedule offers a useful test of adaptability. India A will need to manage the demands of consecutive matches, assess conditions quickly and find the right balance between attacking intent and disciplined 50-over batting. A strong net run rate may also matter if teams finish level on points.
Format change adds a fresh challenge
Last year’s tournament was staged in Doha as a T20 competition, with Pakistan beating Bangladesh in the final. This edition’s move to 50-over cricket changes the nature of the contest. Batters will have more time to build innings, while bowlers must sustain pressure across longer spells and fielding units will need to remain sharp throughout.
That shift makes the tournament especially useful for players aiming to develop their one-day game. For India A, it is an opportunity to test combinations, give younger names experience in high-stakes cricket and evaluate players who could feature in future senior-team plans. The squad’s blend of high-profile batters, specialist wicketkeepers, all-round options and multiple spinners gives the team several tactical routes.
Prediction: India A will enter the tournament among the teams to watch, given the quality and depth of its batting line-up. However, success will depend on how effectively the side adjusts to the 50-over format and whether its bowlers can deliver consistent control. The match against Pakistan A may be the group’s defining contest, but a composed start against Nepal and a strong finish against the UAE will be essential to securing a top-two place and a semifinal berth.
India A squad for the ACC Rising Stars Asia Cup
Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Prabhsimran Singh (wicketkeeper), Tilak Varma (captain), Rajat Patidar (vice-captain), Rinku Singh, Kumar Kushagra (wicketkeeper), Suryansh Shedge, Shahbaz Ahmed, Vipraj Nigam, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Harshit Rana, Prince Yadav and Arshad Khan.
