Rising Asia Cup 2025: Vaibhav Suryavanshi set for maiden India A call-up, Pakistan clash awaits

New Delhi: Pakistan fans are about to get a glimpse of India's newest cricket sensation. 14-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been named in the India A squad for the upcoming Rising Stars Asia Cup, set to begin on November 14 in Doha. The young batting prodigy who has already turned heads in junior cricket with his maturity and fearless strokeplay. He will now have the chance to showcase his talent on a bigger stage.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squad on Tuesday morning with wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma appointed as captain. Jitesh, currently part of India's main T20I squad in Australia, will lead a group that blends youth and IPL experience.

India A finds themselves placed in Group B alongside Pakistan A, UAE and Oman. Their much-anticipated clash against Pakistan A will take place on November 16 while their opening match against UAE is scheduled for November 14.

Group A will feature Sri Lanka A, Bangladesh A, Afghanistan A and Hong Kong. The tournament's final is slated for November 23, promising a week and a half of exciting cricket from some of Asia's most promising talents.

Alongside Suryavanshi, the squad also features several players who have made a mark in the IPL. Priyansh Arya who had a spectacular season with the Punjab Kings' has also earned his maiden call-up. Another IPL regular Abhishek Porel will be behind the stumps and add depth to the squad's batting options.

The selectors have also named five standby players including all-rounders Tanush Kotian and Gurnoor Singh Brar. The team’s blend of raw talent and top-tier domestic performers reflects India’s ongoing focus on developing a wider talent pool for international cricket.

The India-Pakistan rivalry will once again take centre stage when the two sides meet in Doha. The senior Asia Cup earlier this year ended in controversy after the Indian team reportedly refused to shake hands with Pakistani players, followed by a tense exchange involving Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chair Mohsin Naqvi. With Naqvi still holding the same position, the spotlight is bound to return to how both camps conduct themselves this time around.

The defending champions Afghanistan will also be playing. They stunned Tilak Varma's India A side in the semi-finals last year before defeating Sri Lanka to lift the title in Oman.

As India gears up for their opening fixture on November 14, all eyes will be on Vaibhav Suryavanshi as the teenager is ready to take his first big step into international youth cricket, carrying with him the hopes of a country eager to witness its next batting prodigy.