Vaibhav–Abhishek Set to Open. Check India’s Best Playing XI for Asia Cup

India announced their squad for the ACC Men’s Rising Stars Asia Cup yesterday, and a few names immediately gave fans plenty to celebrate. Fan favourite Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was included, along with the world’s No. 1 T20I batter, Abhishek Sharma.

Their selection for this 50-over tournament suggests that both are also on the selectors’ radar for future ODI opportunities. For Vaibhav’s fans, it brings particular excitement. Despite his impressive performances, there has been frustration over his limited opportunities and uncertainty about when he would get another consistent run in India’s T20I side.

This tournament could finally give him that chance to play several matches in a row. Even more exciting is the prospect of watching him open alongside Abhishek. So, what should India A’s best playing XI look like?

India’s Best Playing XI: Vaibhav and Abhishek to Open

Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should be the first-choice opening pair. Prabhsimran Singh is another option, but he could miss out because these two appear to be ahead in the race.

Both openers can attack from the start, and fans will be hoping Vaibhav gets enough opportunities to show his explosive batting throughout the tournament.

Captain Tilak Varma should bat at No. 3, followed by vice-captain Rajat Patidar at No. 4. Patidar’s ability to attack spin makes him an important part of this middle order.

Kumar Kushagra Ahead in the Wicketkeeping Race

Kumar Kushagra should take the wicketkeeping spot and bat at No. 5. His selection for India’s fourth and fifth ODIs against New Zealand strengthens his case.

Prabhsimran was not picked for those matches. That suggests Kushagra is currently higher in the selectors’ plans for the 50-over format, making him our preferred choice in this XI. It does not guarantee his selection, but it is a strong reason to give him the edge.

Rinku Singh follows at No. 6 as the finisher. His role would be to take charge in the closing stages and help India turn a strong platform into a big total.

Suryansh Shedge and Vipraj Nigam Add All-Round Options

Suryansh Shedge should come in at No. 7. He has impressed recently, particularly with his bowling against Australia A, and his ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a valuable option.

India A lost that series, but Shedge’s performances offered encouragement. His pace bowling also gives the captain another option without sacrificing a batting position.

At No. 8, Vipraj Nigam brings hard-hitting ability and leg-spin. He adds depth to the batting while giving Tilak another wicket-taking option through the middle overs.

Harshit Rana, Harsh Dubey and Prince Yadav Complete the XI

Harshit Rana’s return to the squad puts him in line for a place in the pace attack. He should be joined by Prince Yadav.

Harsh Dubey is our other specialist spin choice after recently taking nine wickets in a single innings. That performance makes his case for selection even stronger.

There is room for a change depending on the pitch. If conditions in Doha favour spin, Tanush Kotian could replace a pacer. On a surface offering significant turn, that extra spin option could be more useful.

Prabhsimran Singh, Arshad Khan and Tanush Kotian provide alternatives, with Shahbaz Ahmed also available in the squad. However, this would be our preferred XI:

Can Vaibhav and Abhishek Produce Another Record-Breaking Start?

The biggest attraction remains the opening partnership. Against New Zealand in Wellington, Abhishek and Vaibhav helped India smash a world-record 118 runs in the powerplay and shared a 133-run opening stand.

Fans will be hoping for something similar in the Asia Cup. If these two bat together for 20 overs, a 200-run partnership is well within their reach. Even in a 50-over match, this opening pair has the ability to make the first 20 overs feel like a T20 innings.

India A’s Complete Squad for Rising Stars Asia Cup

Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Prabhsimran Singh (wicketkeeper), Tilak Varma (captain), Rajat Patidar (vice-captain), Rinku Singh, Kumar Kushagra (wicketkeeper), Suryansh Shedge, Shahbaz Ahmed, Vipraj Nigam, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Harshit Rana, Prince Yadav and Arshad Khan.

India A’s Rising Stars Asia Cup Schedule

India A are in Group B alongside Nepal, Pakistan A and the UAE. All their group matches will be played in Doha, Qatar.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, scheduled for November 26 and 27. The final will be played on November 29. India A’s participation in the knockout matches will depend on qualification.