India A Squad Updated Squad Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026: RCB captain Rajat Patidar Pulls Out, KKR pro named Vice-Captain

India A will head into the upcoming ACC Rising Stars Asia Cup without Rajat Patidar after the batter communicated to the BCCI that he should not be considered for selection in the 50-over format while managing his existing injuries, the BCCI confirmed on Sunday (November 8).

Patidar has consequently been withdrawn from the India A squad for the tournament, prompting the Selection Committee to make two changes to the original combination.

India A squad changed: Rinku Singh Vice-Captain, Badoni In

Rinku Singh has been appointed vice-captain, while Ayush Badoni has been brought into the squad as Patidar’s replacement. Tilak Varma will continue to lead the side.

The decision comes as Patidar manages his injury concerns, with the batter opting against taking part in the 50-over format at this stage. His withdrawal is a setback for India A, given his experience and ability to strengthen the middle order. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain will lead Madhya Pradesh in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Rinku’s elevation to the vice-captaincy adds further responsibility to the left-handed batter, who is expected to play a crucial role in India’s campaign. Badoni, meanwhile, gets an opportunity to showcase his abilities at the continental level. Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi provide attacking options at the top, while Prabhsimran Singh and Kumar Kushagra offer wicketkeeping alternatives.

Harshit Rana, Prince Yadav and Arshad Khan strengthen the pace department, while Shahbaz Ahmed, Vipraj Nigam, Harsh Dubey and Tanush Kotian provide spin-bowling options.

India A’s updated squad for ACC Rising Stars Asia Cup

Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Tilak Varma (C), Rinku Singh (VC), Kumar Kushagra (WK), Suryansh Shedge, Shahbaz Ahmed, Vipraj Nigam, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Harshit Rana, Prince Yadav, Arshad Khan, Ayush Badoni