Indian fast bowler Harshit Rana is set to make his return to competitive cricket after a lengthy injury break, having been selected in a star-studded India A squad for the upcoming Rising Stars Asia Cup 50-over tournament in Doha. The 24-year-old pacer has not played competitive cricket since July, when he was part of India's senior team during their tour of England.
The tournament will begin on November 19, with India A featuring several exciting young talents and established T20 stars, including Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Rinku Singh and Prabhsimran Singh.
Tilak Varma has been appointed captain of the India A side, while IPL-winning skipper Rajat Patidar will serve as his deputy.
Harshit Rana to Lead India's Pace Attack
Harshit Rana will spearhead India's fast-bowling department, which also includes Prince Yadav and all-rounder Suryansh Shedge.
Apart from his bowling abilities, Rana's power-hitting skills at No. 8 provide additional depth to the batting line-up. His ability to contribute with the bat could also be important as India continue to assess players for future ODI assignments.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir has previously highlighted the importance of having lower-order batters who can provide powerful hitting options, particularly with the 2027 ODI World Cup in Southern Africa approaching.
Rana was initially expected to make his World Cup debut in the T20 format earlier this year but suffered a knee injury that ruled him out of the tournament. He subsequently missed the IPL season as well.
After spending around five months recovering, Rana returned to the Indian team during the England tour in June and July. His ability to make an impact with the ball has remained impressive, having gone wicketless in just four of his 28 white-ball appearances for India.
Although he was selected subject to fitness clearance for the T20I series against Afghanistan in September, he suffered another unspecified injury while training at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Among Key Names
The India A squad also features several exciting batting prospects, with the selectors seemingly keen to evaluate how India's T20 specialists adapt to the longer 50-over format.
Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and explosive opener Abhishek Sharma are among the notable selections.
Sooryavanshi has played only 13 List A matches but has already registered an impressive highest score of 190. Abhishek, meanwhile, brings greater experience, having featured in 69 List A matches.
The squad also includes Rinku Singh, Prabhsimran Singh and Kumar Kushagra, providing India with multiple batting options.
Strong Spin Attack for Rising Stars Asia Cup
India A will also have a balanced spin attack featuring a combination of T20 specialists and established domestic performers.
Delhi Capitals leg-spinner Vipraj Nigam, Vidarbha left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey and Mumbai off-spinner Tanush Kotian have all been included.
Harsh Dubey recently grabbed attention by claiming nine wickets for 53 runs in a Ranji Trophy match, further strengthening his credentials for the tournament.
Kotian, meanwhile, has been among Mumbai's leading wicket-takers during the 2026-27 domestic season.
India A to Face Pakistan A on November 22
India A have been placed in Group B alongside Pakistan A, the United Arab Emirates and Nepal.
Group A consists of Bangladesh A, Sri Lanka A, Afghanistan A and Hong Kong, China.
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, scheduled for November 26 and 27. The tournament final will be played on November 29.
India A will face arch-rivals Pakistan A in their group-stage encounter on November 22, making it one of the most anticipated matches of the competition.
India A Squad for Rising Stars Asia Cup
Captain: Tilak Varma
Vice-Captain: Rajat Patidar
- Abhishek Sharma
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
- Prabhsimran Singh (WK)
- Tilak Varma (C)
- Rajat Patidar (VC)
- Rinku Singh
- Kumar Kushagra (WK)
- Suryansh Shedge
- Shahbaz Ahmed
- Vipraj Nigam
- Harsh Dubey
- Tanush Kotian
- Harshit Rana
- Prince Yadav
- Arshad Khan
With Harshit Rana returning to action and several promising young players featuring in the squad, the Rising Stars Asia Cup will provide India with an important opportunity to assess their emerging talent in the 50-over format.
