The BCCI announced a 15-member India A squad for the upcoming Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026 on Monday, naming Tilak Varma captain and Rajat Patidar deputy. The selection has attracted considerable attention from Indian cricket fans, particularly with Patidar earning an opportunity to represent India A in the tournament.
The squad features several exciting young players, including Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Rinku Singh, Prince Yadav and Harshit Rana. India A will compete in the 50-over tournament in Doha, Qatar, from November 19 to 29, with Pakistan A, Nepal and the UAE placed alongside them in Group B.
Rajat Patidar earns India A call-up for Rising Stars Asia Cup
Patidar’s inclusion is one of the major talking points from the squad announcement. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper has been named vice-captain, with Tilak taking charge of the side. The 32-year-old has enjoyed an impressive run in recent years, establishing himself as an important batter in domestic cricket and the IPL.
He also led RCB to consecutive IPL titles, further strengthening his credentials as a leader. His selection gives him another opportunity to make an impression in India’s setup. Fans will be eager to see how he performs in the upcoming competition, where he will also share leadership responsibilities with Varma.
India A face Pakistan A in the group stage
India A have been placed in Group B alongside Pakistan A, Nepal and the UAE. They will begin their campaign against Nepal on November 20 before taking on Pakistan A on November 22. Their final group-stage fixture will be against the UAE on November 24.
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. India A will be looking to go a step further after their semi-final exit in the previous edition. Bangladesh A knocked them out after the contest ended in a tie and prevailed in the Super Over. Pakistan A eventually won the title.
Also READ: BCCI announces a strong squad for Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026; Tilak Varma to captain India A
Here’s how fans reacted:
🚨RAJAT PATIDAR VICE CAPTAIN FOR TEAM INDIA A IN AISING STAR’S ASIAN CUP 2026.🚨 pic.twitter.com/Z1654uzzvk
— Sahil (@SahilSinghadiya) November 2, 2026
Finally Rajat Patidar has been given a chance
— Akshat (@Cricketmythos) November 2, 2026
Rajat Patidar did not deserve a place in the Rising Stars Asia Cup squad. He deserves opportunities, but a tournament designed for emerging players is not the right platform for him.
What is the point of including players aged 30 or above in a Rising Stars tournament? It feels… pic.twitter.com/NFmEKeCXMC
— Sonu (@Cricket_live247) November 2, 2026
Rajat Patidar ❤️🔥🙌🙌🥳🥳 pic.twitter.com/sXMDPLVObh
— Namma Team RCB Official (@nammateamrcb) November 2, 2026
Krunal comeback failed
Bhuvi comeback failedNow it’s time for Rajat Patidar 😭
Well Played Gautam Gambhir https://t.co/FAQAQqn2TS pic.twitter.com/ch2Dic0iNd
— Jaqen H’ghar (@stanrisers) November 2, 2026
Vice Captain of India A 🫶🏻
Sir Rajat Manohar Patidar 💀#AsiaCup #RisingStars #India #Bcci pic.twitter.com/QQSDXPH14Q https://t.co/Q47sMvnqLY— A B D 🇮🇳 🛐 (@ramcharanrede10) November 3, 2026
Captain Rajat Patidar era begins!!!
— Shiva (@_Shiva201) November 2, 2026
Finally rajat patidar in the team of ind a as vc in emerging asia cup
Go well @rrjjt_01
very happy for you man
❤️❤️🙌🙌🥹🥹🫡🫡 https://t.co/3Cch8DoPiN pic.twitter.com/D0r7Zzr9kG— Saiyam Taneja (@SaiyamTaneja2) November 2, 2026
Rajat Patidar has finally picked India A to play Rising Stars Asia Cup. #RajatPatidar pic.twitter.com/tNl1LNMlcA
— AS (@humble_guyx) November 2, 2026
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