Tilak Varma Named India A Captain for Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026

Tilak Varma has the armband, Rajat Patidar has his back, and a blockbuster clash with Pakistan A is already circled on the calendar. The BCCI has named a 15-member India A squad for the ACC Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026, and it blends firepower, finishing ability and fresh young talent.

Tilak Varma Handed the Captaincy in Doha

The BCCI’s Men’s Selection Committee announced the squad on November 2. Tilak Varma will lead the side, while Rajat Patidar has been appointed his deputy.

The tournament runs from November 19 to 29 in Doha, Qatar. Eight teams will compete across two groups, and the top two from each pool will move into the semi-finals.

It is the second edition under the Rising Stars Asia Cup name. It is also the eighth overall in the ACC Emerging/Rising Stars Asia Cup series.

A Leadership Pairing Built on Experience

Patidar’s inclusion as vice-captain adds seasoned batting know-how to the group. Tilak will be expected to guide a squad that features several players with senior-level exposure.

Fire at the Top and Depth Throughout

Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi are the named openers. That pairing gives India A an aggressive, high-profile start at the top of the order.

Rinku Singh, Suryansh Shedge and Shahbaz Ahmed bolster the middle order. Rinku is known for his finishing ability, which could be vital in tight chases.

Wicketkeepers and Bowling Options

Prabhsimran Singh and Kumar Kushagra are the two wicketkeeping choices, giving the team flexibility behind the stumps. Vipraj Nigam, Harsh Dubey and Tanush Kotian cover the spin department. The pace attack features Harshit Rana, Prince Yadav and Arshad Khan.

Groups and India A Fixtures

India A have been placed in Group B alongside Pakistan A, Nepal and the United Arab Emirates. Group A includes Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Hong Kong and China.

The Pakistan A Showdown Looms Large

India open against Nepal, but all eyes will be on November 22. The Group B meeting with Pakistan A is the headline fixture of the pool stage. With only the top two advancing, every result carries weight.

Knockout Roadmap

The semi-finals are scheduled for November 26 and 27, with the final on November 29. A strong start in Group B will matter, since there is little room for a slip-up in a three-match group stage.

Full India A Squad

Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Tilak Varma (C), Rajat Patidar (VC), Rinku Singh, Kumar Kushagra (WK), Suryansh Shedge, Shahbaz Ahmed, Vipraj Nigam, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Harshit Rana, Prince Yadav and Arshad Khan.

What to Watch

The mix of explosive openers, a proven finisher and a varied bowling attack gives India A a balanced look. How quickly Tilak’s group gels in Doha could decide whether they reach the knockouts. The India A versus Pakistan A game promises to be the tournament’s biggest talking point.