The ACC Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025 in Doha is set to showcase Asia’s brightest young talent. The BCCI has announced a strong India A squad led by Jitesh Sharma, one of the country’s most explosive wicketkeeper-batters. Naman Dhir has been named vice-captain, while the exciting duo of Priyansh Arya and Vaibhav Suryavanshi headline a squad built for energy, aggression, and tactical balance.
The fifteen-member group, selected by Ajit Agarkar’s panel, features a mix of IPL performers and domestic standouts. Players like Abishek Porel, Ramandeep Singh, Vyshak Vijaykumar, and Harsh Dubey add reliability to a team designed to handle pressure in short tournaments.
This event marks the first meeting between India and Pakistan since the controversial senior Asia Cup. Emotions will run high again when India A meets Pakistan A on November 16. More than just a youth tournament, it’s a stage for future international stars. Strong performances in Doha could shape India’s next generation of white-ball players.
India A Squad: A Blend of Youth, Power, and Control
The India A squad reflects a deliberate balance between proven performers and fearless youth. Jitesh Sharma will bring leadership maturity and finishing power, while Naman Dhir offers calm presence and flexibility at number three. Abishek Porel, now Bengal’s acting captain, adds stability behind the stumps.
The selectors have leaned on IPL form to reward consistency. Priyansh Arya’s 475 runs at a strike rate of 179.24 in his debut season underline his selection. Harsh Dubey and Suryansh Shedge strengthen the middle order, providing spin options and lower-order runs. Ramandeep Singh adds all-around quality and fielding aggression.
The bowling group features Yash Thakur, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yudhvir Singh, and Gurjapneet Singh — all part of the BCCI’s targeted fast-bowling pool. These names represent the core of India’s next seam wave. Their control and pace in Doha will shape the team’s fate.
Selectors have built this squad for both present impact and future investment. The presence of Vaibhav Suryavanshi, aged only fourteen, shows boldness. His inclusion skips age barriers, signaling early faith in his rare potential. This India A lineup feels like a blueprint for the future.
Tournament Format and Key Schedule Details
The Rising Stars Asia Cup will be played from November 14 to 23 in Doha. The format divides eight teams into two balanced groups. India, Pakistan, Oman, and UAE form Group B, while Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka make up Group A.
India A opens its campaign against UAE on November 14 before the big clash with Pakistan on November 16. Matches against Oman follow on November 18. The semifinals are scheduled for November 21, and the grand final for November 23.
Each fixture is crucial, not just for points but for exposure. The tournament is known for testing young players in high-pressure conditions. The Doha pitches typically offer balanced surfaces with early swing and later turn. Bowlers who adapt quickly and batters who rotate well usually succeed here.
The India A coaching staff will emphasize flexibility, fielding sharpness, and adaptability. The conditions will push players to think on their feet. The format ensures every match matters, making consistency the most valuable trait. This structure mirrors the intensity of the senior Asia Cup, giving players a real taste of what’s to come.
What Makes Priyansh Arya and Vaibhav Suryavanshi Special?
Priyansh Arya and Vaibhav Suryavanshi stand out as India’s most exciting batting prodigies. Arya, only 21, lit up the IPL with fearless stroke play and composure beyond his years. His 475-run season at a blistering strike rate of 179.24 ranked among the league’s best. He has since debuted in first-class cricket for Delhi, showing adaptability to longer formats.
Arya’s biggest strength lies in his balance and ability to switch gears. He reads bowlers early and picks gaps smartly. His consistency across formats makes him more than a slog hitter — he’s a developing anchor-finisher hybrid. For a young player, his temperament already matches international standards.
Then comes Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the 14-year-old prodigy who has stunned selectors and fans alike. Skipping the Under-19 Challenger Trophy to play at this level is rare. It signals not just promise, but trust in his mental strength. He’s known for clean timing and a calm approach against pace and spin.
The selectors see Suryavanshi as a long-term investment in India’s future. This early exposure to senior-level intensity will help him mature faster. Together, Arya and Suryavanshi represent two ends of the youth spectrum — one already tested, one just beginning his rise.
Why They Are Making Headlines So Early?
Both players have become headline material because of performance and maturity. Arya’s IPL form was not a flash in the pan; it was sustained brilliance. He played multiple match-winning innings and became a crowd favorite. His calmness under pressure and ability to attack quality bowling made headlines across domestic platforms.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, meanwhile, has created buzz for being India’s youngest cricketer in a major ACC event. His inclusion reflects selectors’ changing mindset toward age and readiness. In practice games, he’s reportedly impressed with timing and shot control against experienced bowlers.
The duo reflects India’s new development strategy — promoting youth based on performance, not years. They’ve become faces of India’s fearless cricket culture that values skill and temperament equally. If both perform in Doha, they’ll fast-track themselves into Under-19 World Cup and possibly India A regular spots.
The Importance of Jitesh Sharma’s Leadership
Captaincy in youth tournaments often decides rhythm and morale. Jitesh Sharma brings experience from high-pressure moments in the IPL. His aggressive batting and calm field direction make him an ideal mentor. He’s already earned a reputation as a composed finisher who thrives under tension.
Leading a group filled with energetic youngsters will test his management. His tactical input will matter against strong opponents like Pakistan and Afghanistan. Jitesh’s approach to handling Suryavanshi and Arya will also shape their confidence. The younger players need space, and he provides that supportive tone.
As a wicketkeeper-captain, Jitesh reads field angles faster than most. His ability to rotate bowlers effectively will be crucial on Doha’s mixed pitches. For selectors, his captaincy success could strengthen his claim as a long-term India A leader.
Why This Tournament Matters for India’s Future?
This event is more than a competition — it’s a vision test. The Rising Stars Asia Cup enables selectors to assess which players handle pressure most effectively. Every inning and spell in Doha doubles as a job interview for India’s future squads.
The BCCI has used this tournament to identify breakout stars since 2019. The inclusion of Arya, Suryavanshi, and Porel fits that pattern. Their performances will help build the framework for India’s Under-23 and A-level programs. For some, it’s the first step toward the senior team.
The global attention on India A vs Pakistan A will also elevate the players’ profiles. Fans will follow every boundary and wicket with passion. Beyond rivalry, this tournament helps bridge the gap between domestic cricket and international readiness. It’s where names become futures.
Conclusion
The India A squad for the Rising Stars Asia Cup blends youth, form, and ambition. Under Jitesh Sharma’s leadership, the team looks ready for the heat of Doha. Priyansh Arya’s IPL maturity and Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s fearless talent headline India’s youth-driven evolution.
Selectors have built this side not just to win but to test composure. Every player will be under the spotlight, especially with the India-Pakistan clash ahead. This team symbolizes India’s cricketing depth, where even the second string can compete globally.
As the ACC Rising Stars tournament begins, all eyes will be on how these youngsters manage the moment. The stage is perfect — new names, new pressure, and a chance to start India’s next success story. If they perform as expected, Arya and Suryavanshi might just be tomorrow’s household names.
