Indian team led by Tilak Varma announced for Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026

According to a report by ABP Asmita, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a balanced and strong India 'A' team for the Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026. This tournament is set to be held in Doha, Qatar, and will run from 19 November to 29 November 2026.

A special 15-member squad has been formed for this upcoming competition, with the captaincy entrusted to the young and explosive batsman Tilak Varma, who will lead the team. Additionally, Rajat Patidar, who possesses extensive experience of winning 2 IPL trophies, has been appointed as the vice-captain of the team.

As per the report, the responsibility of opening the innings will rest on the shoulders of star batsmen Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Suryavanshi. To strengthen the middle order, wicketkeeper-batsmen Prabhsimran Singh and Kumar Kushagra have been included in the team.

Rinku Singh and Suryansh Shedage have also been included in the team as dangerous finishers for the final overs of the match. In the all-rounder department, spin all-rounders Shahbaz Ahmed, Vipraj Nigam, Harsh Dubey, and Tanush Kotian have been given places in the team.

While Harshit Rana will lead the pace bowling attack, Prince Yadav and Arshad Khan are also joining the team to support him.

The India 'A' team has been placed in Group 'B' for the Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026. This group includes Pakistan 'A', Nepal, and United Arab Emirates (UAE) alongside India.

The Indian team will begin its campaign in the tournament by playing against Nepal on 20 November. Subsequently, the match between India and Pakistan, considered the most exciting and high-voltage in the cricketing world, will be played on 22 November.

On the other hand, Bangladesh 'A', Sri Lanka 'A', Afghanistan 'A', and Hong Kong, China have been placed in Group 'A'. After the completion of the league stage matches, the top two teams from both groups will qualify for the semi-finals, which will be played on 26 and 27 November.

The final match of this tournament and the battle for the title will be held on Sunday, 29 November.

The complete India 'A' team for the Rising Stars Asia Cup announced by the BCCI includes Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Prabhsimran Singh (wicketkeeper), Tilak Varma (captain), Rajat Patidar (vice-captain), Rinku Singh, Kumar Kushagra (wicketkeeper), Suryansh Shedage, Shahbaz Ahmed, Vipraj Nigam, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Harshit Rana, Prince Yadav, and Arshad Khan.