Published on: Nov 9, 2026 1:21 pm IST|Updated on: Nov 9, 2026 1:21 pm IST
India A’s ACC Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026 campaign has hit a roadblock ahead of the start of the campaign. Middle-order batter Rajat Patidar has officially withdrawn from the squad. Rajat was named as the vice-captain of the squad, but the Madhya Pradesh batter, who is recovering from an ongoing physical injury, has requested his exclusion from the 50-over tournament to manage his workload efficiently.
Patidar’s untimely exit has forced the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Selection Committee to make key adjustments to the 15-member roster. Dynamic Delhi batter Ayush Badoni has been called up as Patidar’s replacement, while Kolkata Knight Riders star Rinku Singh has been elevated to the role of vice-captain.
Lingering physical ailments forced the talented right-hander from Madhya Pradesh to inform the board of his unavailability for the 50-over tournament. An official update on Patidar’s withdrawal and squad restructuring highlighted:
“Rajat Patidar has withdrawn from the India A squad for the upcoming ACC Men’s Rising Stars Asia Cup after informing the BCCI that he does not wish to be considered for selection in the 50-over format for the time being to manage his existing injuries.”
With Rajat Patidar no longer available, the selectors have drafted in Delhi’s batter Ayush Badoni to the squad. Ayush, a right-hand middle-order batter, brings proven capabilities in the middle order and can also act as a finisher. His adaptability under pressure will be something to watch out for, and the Delhiite also offers a handy off-break bowling option to the team.
Simultaneously, the leadership group has also undergone a minor reshuffle. Rajat was the vice-captain of the side, and now, with the right-hander unavailable, Aligarh youngster Rinku Singh has been named as the new deputy to Tilak Varma. Rinku will closely assist the skipper as India A aims to dominate the continental competition in Doha, Qatar.
Despite Patidar’s absence, India A boasts immense depth with opening batters Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, wicketkeeper-batters Prabhsimran Singh and Kumar Kushagra, and a pace attack led by Harshit Rana.
The ACC Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026 kicks off on November 19 in Doha, with India A placed in Group B alongside Pakistan A, UAE, and Nepal. The updated squad will assemble for final preparations before flying out to Qatar, looking to claim top honors in the 50-over tournament.
Updated India A Squad: Tilak Varma (C), Rinku Singh (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Harsh Dubey, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Shahbaz Ahmed, Vipraj Nigam, Ayush Badoni, Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Arshad Khan, Kumar Kushagra (WK), Suryansh Shedge, Tanush Kotian, Harshit Rana, Prince Yadav.