Tilak Varma will captain India A in the T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup, featuring a strong mix of experienced players and promising talent as they face Pakistan A.
Tilak Varma has been appointed as the captain of India A for the Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup, which is scheduled to commence in Oman on October 18. Varma brings with him a wealth of experience from the international arena, having already represented India in four One Day Internationals (ODIs) and sixteen Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). His leadership will be supported by several other players who have also had exposure to international cricket, including Abhishek Sharma and Rahul Chahar.
The squad features a blend of seasoned domestic performers alongside promising talents. Noteworthy among them are players with significant Indian Premier League (IPL) experience. Ayush Badoni, selected from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Ramandeep Singh from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Prabhsimran Singh of Punjab Kings (PBKS), Nehal Wadhera from Mumbai Indians (MI), and Anuj Rawat from Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) constitute a strong batting unit. This combination offers a diverse range of batting styles and strategic options, critical for a tournament format reliant on quick scoring and adaptability.
The bowling department is equally well-rounded, comprising notable talents like R Sai Kishore from Gujarat Titans (GT), Hrithik Shokeen, Rasikh Salam from Delhi Capitals (DC), Vaibhav Arora from KKR, and Aaqib Khan. Each bowler in this lineup possesses unique skills that can exploit various conditions, enhancing the squad’s overall competitiveness.
Additionally, the squad benefits from the inclusion of allrounders such as Nishant Sindhu and Anshul Kamboj. Sindhu had the honor of being part of India’s Under-19 World Cup-winning team in 2022, showcasing his capabilities on an international stage, while Kamboj has recently gained recognition for his impressive performances in the Duleep Trophy four-day matches. Their versatility will provide valuable depth and balance to the team.
India A’s campaign will commence against a formidable opponent, Pakistan A, on October 19. The group stage also includes Oman and UAE, adding to the competitive atmosphere as teams vie for a strong start. Notably, this edition of the Emerging Teams Asia Cup marks a significant change, as it will be played in the T20 format for the first time, contrasting with the five preceding competitions which were held in the 50-over format.
Historically, India has performed well in this tournament, clinching the title in its inaugural edition in 2013. Pakistan, however, holds a strong recent track record as they have won the tournament in the last two iterations. In a noteworthy final in 2023, Pakistan successfully defeated India to defend their title.
The roster of India A for the Emerging Teams Asia Cup is as follows:
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Tilak Varma (captain)
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Abhishek Sharma
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Ayush Badoni
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Nishant Sindhu
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Anuj Rawat
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Prabhsimran Singh
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Nehal Wadhera
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Anshul Kamboj
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Hrithik Shokeen
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Aaqib Khan
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Vaibhav Arora
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Rasikh Salam
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R Sai Kishore
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Rahul Chahar
Under Tilak Varma’s leadership, along with a mix of established players and fresh talent, India A aims to make a strong statement in this newly formatted tournament. As they gear up for their opening match against Pakistan A, cricket enthusiasts across India remain hopeful for a performance that reflects both skill and sportsmanship. The stage is set for a captivating competition as teams battle not only for the championship but also for showcasing emerging talent on an international platform.
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