Jitesh Sharma to Captain India A in Rising Stars T20 Asia Cup in Doha

Jitesh Sharma to Captain India A in Rising Stars T20 Asia Cup in Doha

Rising Stars Asia Cup: Wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma will lead India A in the upcoming Rising Stars Asia Cup to be played in Doha from November 14 to 23. The tournament, organised by the Asian Cricket Council, will feature eight teams divided into two groups.

Jitesh Sharma has been appointed captain of the India A squad for the upcoming ACC Rising Stars Asia Cup, which will be held in Doha from November 14 to 23. This tournament, previously known as the Emerging Teams Asia Cup, will feature rising talents from across the continent. Naman Dhir has been named vice-captain, adding experience and balance to the leadership group.

One of the most talked-about selections is 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who has been fast-tracked into the India A setup. His inclusion explains his absence from the Under-19 Challenger Trophy, a key trial event for next year’s U-19 World Cup. Suryavanshi is now seen as a near-certain pick for that tournament, and this exposure at a higher level could accelerate his development.

Ajit Agarkar and the senior selection panel picked the 15-member squad. It features several standout IPL performers, including Priyansh Arya, who had a breakout season with Punjab Kings in 2025. Arya scored 475 runs at a strike rate of 179.24, making him the third-highest run-getter for his franchise behind Shreyas Iyer and Prabhsimran Singh. Delhi recently handed him his first-class debut in the Ranji Trophy.

Other notable names in the squad include Abishek Porel, currently leading Bengal in the absence of Abhimanyu Easwaran, and Harsh Dubey, who has been a consistent presence in India A squads. The pace attack features Gurjapneet Singh, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yudhvir Singh, and Yash Thakur, all part of the BCCI’s targeted fast-bowling pool. Ramandeep Singh and Suryansh Shedge add depth as seam-bowling all-rounders.

India A are placed in Group B alongside Pakistan A, Oman, and UAE. The much-anticipated India A vs Pakistan A clash is scheduled for November 16. Group A includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka. This tournament marks the first men’s cricket meeting between India and Pakistan since the senior Asia Cup in September.

That senior Asia Cup ended on a tense note, with no handshakes or greetings exchanged between players. India, despite winning the tournament, left Dubai without collecting the trophy, reportedly refusing to receive it from ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the PCB chairman and Pakistan’s interior minister. This adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming India A vs Pakistan A match.

India A squad for the Rising Stars Asia Cup T20 tournament

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Priyansh Arya, Naman Dhir (VC), Suryansh Shedge, Nehal Wadhera, Jitesh Sharma (C, WK), Harsh Dubey, Ramandeep Singh, Ashutosh Sharma, Gurjapneet Singh, Vijay Kumar Vyshak, Yash Thakur, Yudhvir Singh, Abishek Porel (WK), Suyash Sharma

Stand-by players: Gurnoor Brar, Kumar Kushagra, Tanush Kotian, Sameer Rizvi, Shaik Rasheed