#Rising Stars Asia Cup India#India A team/sbkinews.in
India’s young cricket talents continue to shine on the international stage as Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Priyansh Arya earned selection in the India ‘A’ squad for the upcoming Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to be held in Doha, Qatar, from November 14 to 23. Their inclusion highlights the selectors’ focus on grooming the next generation of cricketers capable of making a mark at the senior level.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the squad on Tuesday, with wicketkeeper-batsman Jitesh Sharma appointed as the team’s captain. The leadership choice emphasizes experience blended with youth, as Jitesh has previously shown exceptional consistency in domestic and India A fixtures. The presence of Vaibhav and Priyansh adds depth and dynamism to the team’s batting lineup.
Strong Support Staff to Build Future Talent
The mentoring responsibility has been entrusted to former India left-arm spinner Sunil Joshi, who currently heads the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. As the head coach of the India ‘A’ squad, Joshi will be supported by an experienced team of coaches, including Apurna Desai as batting coach and Pallav Vohra as fielding coach. Their combined expertise ensures that the rising stars receive top-tier guidance both technically and mentally as they prepare for an intense tournament schedule.
Joshi emphasized the importance of nurturing young players who show promise at the domestic and IPL levels. “The Rising Stars Asia Cup is a platform designed to help players transition smoothly to international cricket. Exposure to competitive matches against teams like Pakistan and Bangladesh will test both skill and temperament,” he said in a media statement.
Group Assignments and Tournament Schedule
India ‘A’ finds itself in Group B alongside Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Pakistan ‘A’, ensuring an exciting round of matches. Group A features Bangladesh ‘A’, Afghanistan ‘A’, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka ‘A’. The tournament’s opening match for India ‘A’ is scheduled on November 14 against the UAE, while the much-anticipated clash with Pakistan ‘A’ will take place on November 16.
These contests are not only crucial for advancing in the tournament but also serve as career-defining opportunities for emerging players like Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Priyansh Arya. Both have shown impressive form in recent domestic fixtures and earned recognition during the last IPL season for their aggressive batting and composure under pressure.
Emerging Stars to Watch
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, known for his classical stroke play and consistent run-scoring in age-group cricket, has been one of the most promising names from the domestic circuit. His recent performances in the Deodhar Trophy and under-23 tournaments caught the selective eye of the national selectors. Analysts believe that his ability to anchor the innings while accelerating when needed makes him a suitable candidate for the international stage.
Similarly, Priyansh Arya’s inclusion had been anticipated following his strong IPL 2025 season, where he displayed fearless hitting and maturity against top-quality bowlers. His versatility as a top-order batsman and knack for turning matches single-handedly earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting young talents in Indian cricket.
Leadership Under Jitesh Sharma
Captain Jitesh Sharma’s appointment reflects the trust placed in his leadership and tactical understanding. Having played five matches in the past for India ‘A’, his experience brings stability to a squad largely composed of new faces. His dual role as a wicketkeeper-batsman adds flexibility to the team’s composition.
Jitesh’s calm demeanor and quick decision-making behind the stumps have often been praised by coaches and senior players alike. Under his guidance, the young side is expected to maintain discipline, focus, and adaptability during crucial matches.
India A Squad Overview
The full India ‘A’ squad announced includes:
Priyansh Arya, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Nehal Wadhera, Naman Dheer (vice-captain), Suryansh Shedge, Jitesh Sharma (captain, wicketkeeper), Ramandeep Singh, Harsh Dubey, Ashutosh Sharma, Yash Thakur, Gurjapneet Singh, Vijay Kumar Vaishya, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Abhishek Porel (wicketkeeper), and Suyash Sharma.
The combination of experienced domestic performers with young IPL sensations represents a balanced and competitive setup. This structure aligns with BCCI’s long-standing development model, where India ‘A’ serves as a critical stepping stone to the senior team.
Outlook for the Rising Stars Asia Cup
As the tournament approaches, Indian cricket fans are eager to see how this new batch performs on an international platform. Matches against strong opponents like Pakistan and Bangladesh will test the team’s depth and exposure. Victory in the Rising Stars Asia Cup would not only boost morale but also validate India’s pipeline strength for the coming years.
The combination of determined players, expert mentors, and strategic leadership sets a promising tone for India ‘A’ in this year’s campaign. With Doha hosting a diverse mix of Asian cricketing nations, all eyes will be on Jitesh Sharma’s men to uphold India’s legacy and bring home another prestigious title.
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