India Squad for Rising Star Asia Cup 2025 Announced: Full List, Schedule, and Key Insights
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced India’s squad for the Rising Star Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to take place in Qatar from 14th to 23rd November. The tournament will be hosted at the West End International Cricket Stadium in Doha, bringing together Asia’s top emerging cricket talents.
This tournament, organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), provides a platform for young and promising cricketers to showcase their skills on an international stage. For India, it’s a golden opportunity to test future stars in competitive conditions before they transition to senior-level cricket.
🏏 India A Squad for Rising Star Asia Cup 2025
The Senior Men’s Selection Committee has chosen a balanced squad that blends youth and experience. Led by Jitesh Sharma, the team features exciting names who have impressed in domestic and IPL circuits.
India A Squad:
- Priyansh Arya
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
- Nehal Wadhera
- Naman Dhir (Vice-Captain)
- Suryansh Shedge
- Jitesh Sharma (Captain & Wicketkeeper)
- Ramandeep Singh
- Harsh Dubey
- Ashutosh Sharma
- Yash Thakur
- Gurjapneet Singh
- Vijay Kumar Vyshak
- Yudhvir Singh Charak
- Abhishek Porel (Wicketkeeper)
- Suyash Sharma
Standby Players:
Gurnoor Singh Brar, Kumar Kushagra, Tanush Kotian, Sameer Rizvi, Shaik Rasheed.
📅 India’s Schedule for Rising Star Asia Cup 2025 (Doha)
| No. | Day | Date | Opponent | Match Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Friday | 14th November | UAE | Group B League |
| 2 | Sunday | 16th November | Pakistan A | Group B League |
| 3 | Tuesday | 18th November | Oman | Group B League |
| 4 | Friday | 21st November | – | Semi-Final 1 |
| 5 | Friday | 21st November | – | Semi-Final 2 |
| 6 | Sunday | 23rd November | – | Final |
India is placed in Group B, alongside UAE, Oman, and Pakistan A, while Group A will likely feature other Asian cricketing nations like Bangladesh A, Sri Lanka A, and Afghanistan A.
🏆 About the Rising Star Asia Cup
The Rising Star Asia Cup serves as a developmental tournament aimed at grooming the next generation of Asian cricketers. Similar to the Emerging Teams Cup, it’s designed to bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket.
This 2025 edition in Qatar is expected to feature some of Asia’s most promising young players, offering an exciting preview of the continent’s cricketing future.
🇮🇳 India A’s Selection Strategy
India’s selectors, led by the Senior Men’s Selection Committee, have emphasized form, fitness, and versatility. With tournaments like IPL and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy revealing many new talents, this squad is a mix of proven domestic performers and IPL standouts.
Here’s a closer look at the key players and what makes this team formidable.
🌟 Key Players to Watch
1. Jitesh Sharma (Captain & Wicketkeeper)
A dynamic batter known for his power-hitting, Jitesh Sharma has been a consistent finisher for Punjab Kings in the IPL. His leadership in this tournament will be crucial as he balances tactical decisions with his batting duties.
2. Nehal Wadhera
The left-handed middle-order batter from Punjab impressed everyone during IPL 2023 and domestic seasons. His ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed makes him a vital cog in India’s batting lineup.
3. Naman Dhir (Vice-Captain)
A technically sound batter with composure under pressure, Naman Dhir has earned the vice-captaincy for his consistency and leadership potential. Expect him to stabilize the top order and guide the younger players.
4. Suyash Sharma
A mystery spinner who broke into the spotlight during IPL 2023 with his deceptive leg-spin, Suyash Sharma will be a key weapon in Qatar’s spin-friendly conditions.
5. Yash Thakur
Known for his accuracy and control in the death overs, Yash Thakur adds depth to the bowling attack. His recent domestic performances have showcased his ability to pick wickets in crucial stages.
6. Abhishek Porel
An emerging wicketkeeper-batter who has already featured in IPL for Delhi Capitals, Porel provides solid backup behind the stumps and offers flexibility in the middle order.
🧠 Team Composition and Strengths
The India A squad seems perfectly balanced with:
- Top-order stability: Priyansh Arya, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, and Naman Dhir.
- Middle-order solidity: Nehal Wadhera, Jitesh Sharma, and Ramandeep Singh.
- All-round depth: Harsh Dubey and Ashutosh Sharma bring balance with both bat and ball.
- Spin options: Suyash Sharma and Harsh Dubey can exploit turning tracks.
- Pace battery: Yash Thakur, Vijay Kumar Vyshak, Gurjapneet Singh, and Yudhvir Singh Charak.
With this mix, India A looks like one of the strongest contenders for the title.
⚙️ Tactical Preview: What to Expect from Team India
India A will likely rely on a batting-first approach in Qatar’s conditions, where evening dew can affect bowlers later in the match. The team’s strategy could revolve around setting high totals and letting their disciplined bowlers defend effectively.
Key Tactical Points:
- Early aggression from the top order.
- Middle overs anchored by Wadhera and Dhir.
- Finishers like Jitesh Sharma and Ramandeep Singh to capitalize in death overs.
- Balanced spin and pace attack to adapt to Doha’s wickets.
🌍 Tournament Venue: West End International Cricket Stadium, Doha
Located in Qatar, this venue has become a cricketing hub for associate and developmental tournaments. The West End International Cricket Stadium features true pitches that offer both bounce for pacers and grip for spinners.
Pitch Report:
- Balanced surface with something for everyone.
- Batting becomes easier under lights.
- Dew may influence teams to chase.
Weather Conditions:
- November weather in Doha is mild, ranging between 22°C–28°C.
- Expect clear skies and dry conditions, ideal for competitive cricket.
🏏 Group B Breakdown: India’s Opponents
1. UAE
UAE’s young team has shown remarkable improvement, especially in home conditions. Players like Alishan Sharafu and Aayan Afzal Khan could test India’s bowlers.
2. Pakistan A
A traditional rival, Pakistan A always brings intensity to the field. Their fast-bowling reserves and emerging batting talents promise a thrilling contest on 16th November.
3. Oman
Oman’s rise in associate cricket has been noteworthy. They may not have the same depth as India or Pakistan, but they are capable of pulling surprises in shorter formats.
🔍 India A’s Preparation and Training
Ahead of the Rising Star Asia Cup, players have been part of domestic tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which serve as ideal warm-ups. The team’s training camp focused on:
- Fielding agility and endurance.
- Power-hitting sessions under lights.
- Match simulations to handle pressure situations.
🧩 Expected Playing XI (Probable Line-up)
- Priyansh Arya
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
- Naman Dhir (VC)
- Nehal Wadhera
- Jitesh Sharma (C & WK)
- Ramandeep Singh
- Harsh Dubey
- Ashutosh Sharma
- Yash Thakur
- Vijay Kumar Vyshak
- Suyash Sharma
12th Man: Abhishek Porel
This combination ensures balance across departments, giving India flexibility depending on the pitch and opponent.
⚔️ India A vs Pakistan A – The Big Clash
The most awaited fixture will be the India A vs Pakistan A encounter on 16th November. Beyond the rivalry, this game could decide the Group B leader and semifinal qualification.
Both teams have explosive batters and potent bowling attacks, promising a high-voltage match likely to attract massive viewership across Asia.
🧭 Road to the Final
If India A tops their group, they’ll face the runner-up of Group A in the Semi-Finals on 21st November. The Final will be played on Sunday, 23rd November, where the top two teams will battle for the Rising Star Asia Cup 2025 trophy.
💬 Expert Opinions and Reactions
Cricket analysts have praised BCCI’s squad selection. Many see it as a strong mix of IPL exposure and domestic talent.
“This squad truly represents the next generation of Indian cricket. Players like Wadhera and Suyash have already shown glimpses of brilliance,” said a senior BCCI official.
🏅 Why This Tournament Matters for India’s Future
The Rising Star Asia Cup acts as a stepping stone for India’s bench strength. Several players who shine here could soon find themselves in the national setup. Past editions have seen names like Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, and Prithvi Shaw make the leap after strong performances.
This tournament is not just about winning—it’s about grooming the next wave of Indian cricketing talent.
❓ FAQs about India Squad for Rising Star Asia Cup 2025
Q1. When will the Rising Star Asia Cup 2025 begin?
The tournament starts on 14th November 2025 in Doha, Qatar.
Q2. Who is the captain of India A for the tournament?
Jitesh Sharma will lead the India A squad.
Q3. Where will the matches be played?
All matches will be held at the West End International Cricket Stadium, Doha.
Q4. Which teams are in India’s group?
India A is in Group B, alongside Pakistan A, UAE, and Oman.
Q5. How many players are in India’s squad?
The main squad has 15 players, with 5 standby players.
Q6. When is the final scheduled?
The final will take place on Sunday, 23rd November 2025.
🏁 Conclusion
The announcement of the India Squad for Rising Star Asia Cup 2025 marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Indian cricket. With a blend of talent, leadership, and determination, this team is poised to make a strong statement in Doha.
All eyes will be on Jitesh Sharma’s men as they aim to lift the Rising Star Asia Cup and carry forward India’s cricketing legacy.
