Rajat Patidar ruled out of Rising Stars Asia Cup with injury: Ayush Badoni replaces him in India A squad

Rajat Patidar has withdrawn from the India A squad for the ACC Men's Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026 due to ongoing fitness concerns. The batter has informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that he needs time to manage his existing injuries. He has also asked the board not to consider him for selection in the 50-over format for the time being.

Following Patidar's withdrawal, the selectors have named Ayush Badoni as his replacement in the India A squad. Rinku Singh has also been appointed vice-captain of the team, which will be led by Tilak Varma. Patidar was initially named Tilak's deputy for the tournament, which is scheduled to take place in Doha, Qatar.

The decision comes just days before the tournament begins. Patidar will now focus on his fitness ahead of his upcoming commitments. He is also expected to lead Madhya Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which begins on November 14. The BCCI confirmed his withdrawal and the squad changes in an update on Sunday, November 8.

What happened to Rajat Patidar? Injury update and withdrawal details

The BCCI confirmed that Rajat Patidar had informed the board of his decision to manage his existing injuries. He also requested that he not be considered for selection in the 50-over format for the time being. Following his request, the selection committee withdrew him from the India A squad for the Rising Stars Asia Cup and named Delhi batter Ayush Badoni as his replacement.

Patidar's decision comes after several injury setbacks in recent seasons. A left-knee injury affected his domestic campaign in October 2025, while he also suffered a finger injury during IPL 2025. However, the BCCI has not shared details of his current injuries or provided a timeline for his recovery. Meanwhile, Rinku Singh, who was part of the original squad, has been appointed vice-captain.

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Patidar has represented India in three Tests and one ODI. However, he has made a bigger impact in domestic cricket and the IPL. In List A cricket, he has played 70 matches and scored 2,401 runs in 68 innings at an average of 37.51 and a strike rate of 98.48. His record includes four centuries, 15 half-centuries, a highest score of 158, 241 boundaries and 55 sixes.

Who is Ayush Badoni? Why selectors picked him as Patidar’s replacement

Ayush Badoni is an Indian cricketer who represents Delhi in domestic cricket and Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League. Born on December 3, 1999, he has impressed selectors with his recent performances in the Ranji Trophy. The Delhi captain has scored double centuries against Gujarat and Jharkhand, making him a strong option to replace Rajat Patidar in the India A squad.

Badoni has also built a solid record across formats. In 28 first-class matches, he has scored 2,450 runs at an average of 61.25, including six centuries and 11 half-centuries. In List A cricket, he has scored 732 runs in 30 matches at an average of 33.27, with one century and five half-centuries. He has also played 106 T20 matches, scoring 2,003 runs at a strike rate of 139.38. His recent form and ability to contribute in different formats make him a useful addition to the India A squad.

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The ACC Men's Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026 will begin on November 19, with Bangladesh A facing Hong Kong China in the opening match. India A are placed in Group B alongside Pakistan A, Nepal and the UAE. They will begin their campaign against Nepal on November 20 before facing Pakistan A in a much-awaited match on November 22 at the University of Doha for Science and Technology. The tournament final is scheduled for November 29.