The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the India A squad for the upcoming ACC Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026, scheduled to take place in Doha, Qatar, from November 19 to 29.

Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Tilak Varma and Rinku Singh are among the prominent names included in the 15-member squad.

Prabhsimran Singh and Kumar Kushagra have been named as the wicketkeeping options, while Tilak Varma will captain the side and Rajat Patidar will serve as his deputy.

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India A Squad Strength 

The squad features a strong batting unit, with Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi expected to attract considerable attention. Abhishek's aggressive approach at the top of the order, combined with Sooryavanshi's recent rise in Indian cricket, gives the team two exciting batting options.

Tilak Varma's appointment as captain adds international experience to the leadership group. The left-handed batter has already represented India at the highest level and will be expected to guide a relatively young squad through the tournament.

Patidar's appointment as vice-captain provides another experienced batter in the middle order. Rinku Singh adds finishing ability, while Prabhsimran Singh and Kumar Kushagra offer wicketkeeping depth.

The bowling and all-rounder unit include Harshit Rana, Arshad Khan, Prince Yadav, Harsh Dubey, Shahbaz Ahmed, Tanush Kotian, Vipraj Nigam and Suryansh Shedge.

India A's Schedule And Tournament Format

India A have been placed in Group B alongside Pakistan A, Nepal and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They will begin their quest against Nepal on November 20 before facing Pakistan A on November 22. Their final group-stage fixture will be against the UAE on November 24.

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The 2026 edition will be played in the 50-over format, with eight teams divided into two groups of four. Group A consists of Sri Lanka A, Bangladesh A, Afghanistan A and Hong Kong.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, scheduled for November 26 and 27, while the final will take place on November 29 at the West End International Cricket Stadium in Doha.

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, and Arshad Khan