The BCCI on Monday named a strong 15-member India A squad for the ACC Men's Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026, which will be held in Doha. Explosive opener Abhishek Sharma and teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi are among the most notable names in the lineup. Tilak Varma will captain the side, with experienced batter Rajat Patidar serving as his deputy. The tournament is scheduled to take place in Qatar from November 19 to 29.

The squad includes several players who were part of India's recent T20I series against New Zealand, which the senior team won 3-2. The inclusion of 15-year-old Sooryavanshi stands out in particular. The youngster continues to draw attention for his aggressive batting and his rapid rise through domestic and age-group cricket.

Abhishek and Sooryavanshi lead the batting firepower. India A have put together a formidable batting group, with Abhishek and Sooryavanshi expected to provide explosive options at the top of the order. Captain Tilak and Patidar add experience and stability to the middle order, while Rinku Singh brings his reputation as a finisher. Prabhsimran Singh and Kumar Kushagra are the two wicketkeeping options in the squad.

The all-rounders' department features Suryansh Shedge, Shahbaz Ahmed, Vipraj Nigam, Harsh Dubey and Tanush Kotian, giving the team multiple batting and bowling options. The pace attack will feature Harshit Rana, Prince Yadav and Arshad Khan.

India A placed in Group B with Pakistan A India A have been placed in Group B alongside Pakistan A, Nepal and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

They will begin their campaign against Nepal on November 20 at the West End Park International Stadium in Doha, before facing arch-rivals Pakistan A at the same venue on November 22. Their final group-stage fixture will be against the UAE on November 24. Group A comprises Bangladesh A, Sri Lanka A, Afghanistan A and Hong Kong, China.

The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals, scheduled for November 26 and 27, while the final will be played on November 29. With a blend of established performers, international experience and exciting young talent, India A will look to make a strong impression in the tournament and challenge for the title.

India A squad for Rising Stars Asia Cup

• 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, Arshad Khan