Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday unveiled a spirited and youthful 15-member squad for the upcoming Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025, to be held in Qatar from November 14 to 23. The announcement has already stirred excitement among fans eager to witness the next generation of Indian cricket talent take center stage.
Jitesh Sharma to Lead a New-Age Brigade
Wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has been handed the captaincy mantle, a move hailed as both bold and progressive. The 32-year-old Vidarbha cricketer, who impressed in the IPL with his fearless strokeplay, will lead a blend of emerging IPL performers and consistent domestic campaigners.
Flamboyant opener Priyansh Arya, rising all-rounder Vaibhav Suryavanshi, and left-arm pacer Divyansh Singh are among the promising names who earned their maiden international ‘A’ call-ups. The squad, according to selectors, has been crafted to strike a balance between flair and discipline.
> “This is not just a second-string side; it’s a window to the future,” said chief selector Ajit Agarkar, addressing the media at the BCCI headquarters. “We want these youngsters to feel the heat of continental competition. The Asia Cup will test their composure, adaptability, and hunger.”
The Tournament: A Battle of Aspirants
The Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025 marks a fresh chapter in Asian cricket, designed to showcase upcoming talent from full-member nations alongside select Associate teams. The rebranded event has already generated buzz, especially after the group stage draw placed India A and Pakistan A in the same pool — rekindling the subcontinent’s most electrifying rivalry, albeit at the developmental level.
The Indian contingent will face Pakistan A, UAE, and Oman in Group B, while Group A features Sri Lanka A, Bangladesh A, Afghanistan A, and Nepal. The top two from each group will advance to the semifinals.
Preparation Begins at NCA Bengaluru
The squad will undergo a week-long conditioning camp at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru before flying to Doha. Under the guidance of coach Sitanshu Kotak and bowling consultant Venkatesh Prasad, the young brigade will focus on fine-tuning match temperament and adapting to Qatar’s dry, low-bounce pitches.
“The biggest challenge will be adjusting to the conditions,” said Kotak. “The wickets will be slower, so strike rotation and smart bowling variations will be key. This tournament is a perfect grooming ground before these players step into the senior team setup.”
The Road Ahead
For players like Priyansh Arya and Vaibhav Suryavanshi, this could be the launchpad to future India caps; for captain Jitesh Sharma, it’s a chance to prove leadership mettle beyond the IPL spotlight.
As the team boards its flight to Qatar, there’s a sense that something special is brewing — a story of ambition, belief, and opportunity. The Rising Stars Asia Cup may be a developmental tournament, but for these youngsters, it’s their World Cup in every sense.
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