Rajat Patidar has officially withdrawn from the India A squad for the ACC Rising Stars Asia Cup, citing a desire to focus on his existing injury concerns and a preference to avoid selection in the 50-over format. The decision prompted the BCCI Men’s Selection Committee to swiftly appoint Ayush Badoni as his replacement, ensuring the team retains depth ahead of the tournament’s commencement in Doha on November 19. This strategic adjustment allows the board to prioritize player welfare while maintaining a competitive roster for the upcoming fixtures.
Injury concerns and format preferences drive the change as Tilak Varma leads Doha campaign
Tilak Varma will continue to captain the side, with Rinku Singh elevated to the role of vice-captain, signaling a clear leadership structure for the A-team. The squad remains heavily weighted toward T20 specialists, featuring key performers such as Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, and wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh. This composition reflects the BCCI’s continued emphasis on nurturing talent specifically for the shortest format, providing these players with high-stakes experience against international opposition.
The spin department offers a balanced mix of T20 agility and first-class grit, headlined by Delhi Capitals legspinner Vipraj Nigam and Mumbai offspinner Tanush Kotian, the team’s leading wicket-taker in the 2026-27 season. Vidarbha left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey also secures a spot following a standout performance, where he claimed 9 for 53 in the Ranji Trophy earlier this week. This blend of recent form and specialized skills positions India A to compete effectively in the Doha tournament, with the full squad including Kumar Kushagra, Suryansh Shedge, and Shahbaz Ahmed.
Source: Yahoo Sports
