When we talk about the future of Indian cricket, the names that echo are young guns like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Priyansh Arya, and Nehal Wadhera - genuine prospects built for tomorrow. But it seems the BCCI has a rather unconventional understanding of “rising star”. Because, in a surprising turn, they’ve handed the India A captaincy for the Rising Stars Asia Cup to a 32-year-old.
Yes, Jitesh Sharma, a player who has already broken into the senior Indian setup, has been appointed to lead a team supposedly meant to groom emerging talent. It’s a decision raising eyebrows across the cricketing spectrum.
And the question writes itself - how does a cricketer who has represented India multiple times suddenly become a ‘rising star’ again?
Just days ago, Jitesh played in the 3rd T20I vs Australia and scored 22 runs, his first international outing since the IPL final, yes, but still his 10th T20I for India up to the Hobart game. This is not an unknown rookie. This is a recognised Indian player.
And he has the domestic and IPL numbers to back it: 261 runs in IPL 2025, averaging over 37 with a blazing strike rate of 176, elite finishing numbers. He earned his place in India’s senior squad. But that’s exactly why this move feels like a step backwards, not for him, but for Indian cricket’s development system.
Because if a tournament designed to spotlight tomorrow’s stars becomes a parking space for players already in the limelight, then where do the actual youngsters go?
Take Abhishek Porel. A promising wicketkeeper-batter who has shown sparks at the highest domestic level. He is in the squad, yet Jitesh’s appointment as captain likely pushes him to second-choice behind the stumps. That’s not opportunity, that’s hierarchy.
And what about Ayush Mhatre? The 18-year-old, expected by many to feature in this squad, now finds himself outside the setup. In a tournament created to test fresh talent, losing a slot to someone already tested at the top level feels like a missed opportunity for the next generation.
The Rising Stars Asia Cup will run from November 14–23, 2025, at the West End International Cricket Stadium in Doha. India A sits in Group B alongside Oman, UAE, and Pakistan A, a perfect stage for young players to learn, adapt, and shine. Instead, we’re watching experience crowd out aspiration.
Jitesh Sharma is a talented cricketer. He has earned respect, he has earned his India cap, and he has earned applause. But this isn’t about his ability, it’s about the purpose of India A cricket. If India truly wants to build the future, the spotlight must shift from those who’ve already arrived to those still fighting for their turn to walk into it.
India A’s squad for Rising Stars Asia Cup:
Priyansh Arya, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Nehal Wadhera, Naman Dhir (VC), Suryansh Shedge, Jitesh Sharma (C) (WK), Ramandeep Singh, Harsh Dubey, Ashutosh Sharma, Yash Thakur, Gurjapneet Singh, Vijay Kumar Vyshak, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Abhisek Porel (WK), Suyash Sharma.
Stand-by Players:
Gurnoor Singh Brar, Kumar Kushagra, Tanush Kotian, Sameer Rizvi, Shaik Rasheed.
