We are just two days away from witnessing the first-ever Men’s Emerging Asia Cup in T20 format. For those unaware, it is a tournament, organised by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in order to provide youngsters with a high-quality platform to compete against Asia’s best young talents. In this 8-team competition, the India A team will be led by Tilak Varma. The talented southpaw will be deputed by another superstar in Abhishek Sharma.
India ‘A’ most favourite to win Emerging Asia Cup?
Pakistan A and Sri Lanka A both teams have some note-worthy individuals. However, the Indian A squad is power-packed with T20 talent. The key highlight of their 15-member squad is the choices for all-rounders. The team has as many as six all-rounders, not including Sai Kishore’s batting abilities. None of the senior team regulars like Ishan Kishan, Ruturaj Gaikwad or Shreyas Iyer got a gig (despite ACC relaxing the age bar from the tournament).
Despite this, the Indian A side boasts a proper squad, filled with immense potential. Someone like Nishant Sindhu, Aaqib Khan, and Rasikh Salam, who all might miss out in the first XI, are all as talented as anyone—it just goes to show the strength that Indian cricket as a whole possesses. This depth in talent not only highlights the competitiveness in the team but also sets a solid foundation for future success. On that note, let us look at the probable playing XI of India ‘A’ in the Emerging Asia Cup T20 2024.
Probable India A Playing XI
- Abhishek Sharma (VC): The man needs no introduction. Abhishek Sharma, the designated vice-captain, has had a stellar 2024 thus far. In 21 T20 matches, Abhishek has mustered 608 runs at an average of 32.00 and at a humongous strike rate of 197.40. He is a no-brainer starter in the team and would like to get over his poor showing in the recent T20Is vs BAN.
- Prabhsimran Singh (wk): Prabhsimran Singh would be the designated wicket-keeper in this team, having kept stumps for Punjab Kings (PBKS) in 34 IPL games. He has been quite impressive with stroke-making, having claimed 756 runs, including a century against DC.
- Tilak Varma (C): The leader of this team, Tilak Varma will bat at number 3. The southpaw is another find by the Mumbai Indians, who are likely to retain him as well. He has a phenomenal record in the IPL, scoring 1156 runs at 39.86 and 146.32.
- Ayush Badoni: A versatile all-rounder, Ayush Badoni has made a significant impact in his limited appearances for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). His ability to contribute with both bat and ball has made him a valuable asset for the team. Even his DPL T20 numbers (522 runs at av. of 58.00 and a superb SR of 225.00). Badoni is even a skilful bowler, who can sneak in 3-4 overs.
- Nehal Wadhera: Another promising young batter, Nehal Wadhera has shown glimpses of his talent with MI. His ability to play striking blows and his composure under pressure have made him a player to watch out for. He has played 20 matches in the IPL, making 350 runs.
- Hrithik Shokeen: Similar to Ayush Badoni, Hrithik Shokeen is another off-spin bowling action with huge capabilities with the bat. He will act as a proper finisher in the team.
- Ramandeep Singh: An underrated finisher, Ramandeep Singh has been so impressive that even KKR might look to retain him as an uncapped talent ahead of IPL 2025. He operated at a SR of above 200 in IPL 2024. Even in Punjab’s local T20 tournament, Ramandeep made 290 runs at a SR of 164.77.
- Sai Kishore: Tamil Nadu skipper, Sai Kishore will lead the spin attack, with his orthodox left-arm bowling. Sai Kishore excels in deceiving batters, a trait that could be used extensively in Oman. In last year’s Ranji Trophy, Kishore bagged 53 wickets, the most by any player.
- Anshul Kamboj: A promising young fast bowler, Anshul Kamboj has impressed with his ability to generate pace and swing. Another talent unearthed by the Mumbai Indians, Kamboj had a superlative Duleep Trophy, where he took 16 wickets in 5 innings at a bowling SR of 32.00.
- Rahul Chahar: One of the most familiar names, Rahul Chahar will be the X-factor in this bowling lineup. His leg-break bowling is little from others, with the former T20 World Cup player putting in more zip in his flight.
- Vaibhav Arora: Alongside Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora was one of the breakout talents for KKR. While he bagged 11 wickets, it was the knack of moving the balls both ways.
Non-selected players: Rasikh Salam Dar, Aaqib Khan, Anuj Rawat, Nishant Sindhu
The focus of the tournament, the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan match (India A’s opener), will take place on October 19 at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground Oman Cricket (Ministry Turf 1) in Oman. In the previous edition’s final, Pakistan A beat India A by 128 runs.
