Jitesh Sharma to Lead India A in Rising Stars T20 Asia Cup in Doha

Jitesh Sharma to Lead India A in Rising Stars T20 Asia Cup in Doha

Introduction

The All-India Senior Selection Committee has named Jitesh Sharma as captain of the India A team for the upcoming ACC Rising Stars T20 Asia Cup, to be played in Doha from November 14 to 23, 2025. This tournament, previously known as the Emerging Teams Asia Cup, is designed to showcase the most promising young cricketers from across Asia, and Jitesh’s leadership marks a major moment in his cricketing journey.

This will be the first time India A will compete under Sharma’s captaincy in an international multi-nation event, and the move reflects the selectors’ growing confidence in his leadership abilities. His deputy for the tournament will be Punjab batter Naman Dhir, who has also been in excellent form in domestic cricket.

A Blend of Youth and Experience

The India A squad is a balanced mix of experienced performers from the IPL and talented emerging players from domestic circuits. One of the most eye-catching inclusions is 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who becomes the youngest player to feature in this competition. Suryavanshi’s selection explains his absence from the ongoing Under-19 Challenger Trophy, where he was initially expected to participate. His performances in age-group cricket have already earned him comparisons with some of India’s most gifted young batting prodigies.

Among the standout names is Priyansh Arya, who turned heads in the 2025 IPL season with his fearless batting. Representing Punjab Kings, Arya smashed 475 runs at a blistering strike rate of 179.24, emerging as one of the most promising young openers in Indian cricket. His aggressive approach at the top of the order will be a key asset for India A in the powerplay overs.

Also included is wicketkeeper-batter Abishek Porel, currently leading Bengal in the Ranji Trophy in Abhimanyu Easwaran’s absence. Porel’s recent form has been impressive across formats, and his presence alongside Sharma strengthens India’s middle order and wicketkeeping depth.

Other notable inclusions are Harsh Dubey, Ramandeep Singh, and Suryansh Shedge – all of whom have been consistent performers for their state teams and in the India A setup over the past few months. Their experience in both red and white-ball formats adds stability to the squad.

The Bowling Attack

The bowling department carries plenty of variety and firepower. The pace attack is spearheaded by Yash Thakur, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Gurjapneet Singh, and Yudhvir Singh — all of whom are part of the BCCI’s fast-bowling development program. Thakur’s ability to swing the new ball, combined with Vyshak’s hit-the-deck pace and Yudhvir’s control in the death overs, provides India A with a well-rounded pace battery suitable for the Doha conditions.

In addition to the pacers, all-rounders like Ramandeep Singh and Suryansh Shedge add depth with both bat and ball. Ramandeep, known for his lower-order hitting, can also chip in with medium pace, while Shedge’s consistency makes him a key contributor in the middle overs.

Spin duties will be handled by Harsh Dubey and Suyash Sharma, both of whom have shown excellent control and wicket-taking ability in domestic T20s. Their variations will be vital on pitches that are expected to assist slow bowlers as the tournament progresses.

Jitesh Sharma’s Journey and Leadership

Jitesh Sharma’s appointment as captain is well-earned. Over the past few years, he has evolved from being a dependable wicketkeeper-batter for Vidarbha to becoming a key finisher for Punjab Kings in the IPL and a consistent performer for India in T20Is. His aggressive stroke play, especially against pace, and his sharp wicketkeeping skills have made him a valuable asset.

Sharma recently featured in India’s T20I series in Australia, where his attacking cameos and sharp glovework impressed both fans and selectors. His inclusion as captain of this side is seen as a reward for his steady rise and professionalism. At 32, Jitesh is one of the senior-most players in the squad, and his role will go beyond scoring runs — he will serve as a mentor for a group of talented youngsters taking their first steps on the international stage.

His leadership will be tested, particularly in high-pressure matches like the one against Pakistan A on November 16. However, his calm demeanour, combined with aggressive intent on the field, makes him an ideal choice to guide this squad in a challenging tournament.

Tournament Format and Schedule

The ACC Rising Stars T20 Asia Cup 2025 will feature eight teams, divided into two groups. India are placed in Group B alongside Pakistan, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. Group A includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong.

The group stage matches will take place from November 14 to 19, followed by the semi-finals on November 21 and the final on November 23.

India A will open their campaign against UAE on November 14, followed by the marquee clash against Pakistan A on November 16, and conclude the group stage against Oman on November 18. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals.

The India A vs Pakistan A contest is expected to be one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament, as it marks the first men’s encounter between the two sides since the senior Asia Cup in September. These India-Pakistan fixtures, even at the A-team level, carry immense significance, testing the players’ mental resilience and tactical awareness.

The Rising Stars Platform

The Rising Stars T20 Asia Cup, previously known as the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup, serves as a bridge between domestic and international cricket. It offers young and upcoming players exposure to high-quality opposition from across the continent. Many of India’s current internationals — including Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Arshdeep Singh — once featured in this very competition before making the leap to the national side.

For players like Arya, Suryavanshi, and Dubey, this is an invaluable opportunity to showcase their skills under pressure and impress the national selectors. Performances in this tournament often influence selection for India’s future tours and the senior T20 setup.

The Challenges Ahead

While India A enters the competition as one of the favourites, several challenges lie ahead. Playing conditions in Doha can be tricky — pitches may favour spinners early on, while dew in evening matches could make bowling difficult later in the innings. Adjusting to these variables quickly will be essential.

Another challenge is team chemistry. With players from diverse domestic backgrounds and varying levels of experience, creating a cohesive unit in a short span of time will test Sharma’s leadership and communication skills. His ability to rotate bowlers smartly, manage workload, and adapt field placements will be key to India’s success.

Furthermore, the pressure of expectations will be immense. Indian cricket fans, known for their passion and scrutiny, will keep a close eye on this young side — especially during the high-voltage encounter against Pakistan A. Maintaining composure in such games will be as vital as technical execution.

Strengths of the Squad

India A’s major strength lies in its depth. The team has multiple all-rounders, two capable wicketkeeper-batters, and a long batting lineup that extends down to No. 8. This flexibility allows Sharma to experiment with different combinations depending on match situations.

The top order, featuring Priyansh Arya and Vaibhav Suryavanshi, provides explosive starts. Both players have an attacking mindset, capable of setting the tone early. In the middle order, Nehal Wadhera and Naman Dhir bring stability, while Jitesh Sharma and Ramandeep Singh provide finishing power.

The bowling attack, on the other hand, combines pace, bounce, and spin variety. The presence of Yash Thakur and Vyshak Vijaykumar ensures that India A can exploit seam-friendly conditions, while spinners like Suyash Sharma can contain opposition lineups in the middle overs.

The Young Guns to Watch

Vaibhav Suryavanshi – At just 14, he is India’s youngest player in the squad. Known for his composure and elegant stroke play, he has already made waves in the junior circuit. This tournament could serve as a defining stage in his rise toward the Under-19 World Cup and beyond.

Priyansh Arya – The right-handed batter from Delhi burst onto the scene in IPL 2025, showcasing fearlessness and power. If he maintains his form, Arya could well be among the tournament’s leading run-scorers.

Naman Dhir – Serving as vice-captain, Dhir’s leadership experience in domestic cricket and his ability to anchor the innings make him an indispensable part of the side.

Harsh Dubey – The left-arm spinner has been consistent in India A’s past assignments. His control, flight, and knack for breaking partnerships make him a potential match-winner.

The Bigger Picture

Beyond the immediate objective of winning the tournament, the Rising Stars Asia Cup is also a talent evaluation exercise for the Indian selectors. Ajit Agarkar and his selection panel will closely monitor individual performances, especially those who can adapt quickly under pressure. With the next ICC T20 World Cup on the horizon, strong displays here could fast-track players into the national setup.

This event also marks a resumption of India-Pakistan cricketing exchanges at the developmental level. While the senior teams have had limited interactions, these A-level contests serve as important platforms for maintaining competitive spirit and mutual respect among emerging talents.

Conclusion

Jitesh Sharma’s elevation as captain for India A in the Rising Stars T20 Asia Cup is more than a strategic move — it symbolizes the blend of experience and youthful exuberance that defines modern Indian cricket. Surrounded by a promising set of players, Sharma now shoulders the dual responsibility of leading and mentoring.

This tournament will not only test his leadership mettle but also shape the next wave of Indian cricketing stars. As India A prepares to face regional powerhouses like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, all eyes will be on how Sharma’s team handles pressure, adapts to conditions, and plays with intent.

For Jitesh Sharma, this could be the stepping stone toward a more significant role in Indian cricket. For the youngsters, it’s a stage to dream, perform, and announce themselves to the world. The Rising Stars Asia Cup, beginning November 14 in Doha, promises to be a showcase of India’s cricketing future — bold, talented, and ready to rise.

India A Squad:

Priyansh Arya, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Nehal Wadhera, Naman Dhir (vice-capt), Suryansh Shedge, Jitesh Sharma (capt, wk), Ramandeep Singh, Harsh Dubey, Ashutosh Sharma, Yash Thakur, Gurjapneet Singh, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Yudhvir Singh, Abishek Porel (wk), Suyash Sharma

Stand-by Players:

Gurnoor Brar, Kumar Kushagra, Tanush Kotian, Sameer Rizvi, Shaik Rasheed.

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