One of the most famous Indian street foods is the Pani Puri, which is made out of hollo with spicy water, tamarind, potatoes, chutney, and other ingredients, and is quite renowned across the country. The dish, also known as golgappa, is famous in Mumbai for its street food culture.

In a video that went viral around the social media platforms, the United States of America (USA) players were seen laughing and enjoying Pani Puri together, soaking in the local culture and flavors after their first warm-up fixture against India A ahead of the 2026 season of the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Most of their players are of Indian origin, and this reflects the Indian familiarity.

See Also: Watch: Italy players get warm welcome in Chennai ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

The USA players were the first to land in the court before the ICC event and have started to prepare and acclimatize to the weather ahead of their opening clash against the Suryakumar Yadav-led side at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. They are part of the group, including India, Pakistan, the Netherlands, and Namibia.

USA players enjoy golgappa in Mumbai streets 

The United States of America squad has nine Indian origin players, including their leader Monank Patel, Saurabh Netravalkar, Harmeet Singh, Milind Kumar, Shubham Ranjane, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Saiteja Mukkamalla, vice-captain Jasdeep Singh, and Nosthush Kenjige, any of whom have strong roots in the Indian circuit with local conditions.

Watch the video here: 

USA cricketers enjoying pani puri (golgappa) in Mumbai after the warm-up match vs India — pure desi vibes 😋 pic.twitter.com/7URxPFlgnA

— Sonu (@Cricket_live247) February 3, 2026

India A posted 238 runs in their allotted 20 overs for the loss of three wickets as their opening batter, Narayan Jagadeesan, recorded 104 runs in 55 balls at a strike rate of 189.09, with the help of 11 boundaries and four sixes. Their captain, Ayush Badoni, drilled 60 runs in just 26 balls at a strike rate of 230.77, shouldering on six fours and four sixes.

The USA got bundled out for 200 in 19.4 overs as Andries Gous got 44 runs while Sanjay Krishnamurti clubbed 41 runs in just 18 deliveries. Ravi Bishnoi picked up three wickets while Khaleel Ahmed ended with figures of 2/25 as India A completed a 38-run win.

Brief Scores: India A 238/3 (Narayan Jagadeesan 104, Ayush Badoni 60*, Shubham Ranjane 1/12) beat USA 200 (Andries Gous 44, Ravi Bishnoi 3/37, Naman Dhir 2/6) by 38 runs.

Narayan Jagadeesan made a strong statement ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, producing a sensational century for India A against the United States of America in a warm-up match at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. The match allowed domestic players to demonstrate their skills because several senior Indian players were not participating and Jagadeesan successfully proved his abilities to the audience.

The Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper-batter opened the batting with Priyansh Arya who successfully crushed the USA bowling attack on a flat surface. Jagadeesan reached his hundred mark after 49 balls, displaying his ability to hit cleanly while maintaining his composure. His knock included 11 fours and five sixes, which he achieved at a strike rate above 200, causing problems for the opposing team.

The India A team started their innings with quick momentum, as Jagadeesan and Arya reached 43 runs for their first wicket. Arya established himself as the primary attacker during the initial stages of the game, while Jagadeesan fulfilled his role as the secondary player. The right-hander started his batting after his partner left the game, which allowed him to accelerate through the middle overs while he easily handled both pace and spin bowlers.

Watch the video:

JAGADEESAN UNLEASHED 💥 | IND A DOMINANCE MODE 🔥
Narayan Jagadeesan smashes a blazing 100 (49 balls)* 🤯
11 FOURS • 5 SIXES • Strike Rate 204.08 🚀
USA bowl first, but IND A roar to 188/2 in just 16 overs 💪🔥 pic.twitter.com/BWECjaivOy

— Puneet Awasthi (@PuneetA77622712) February 2, 2026

ALSO SEE: Explained: Why Cooper Connolly should have been 'not-out' after stumping in PAK vs AUS 3rd T20I

Jagadeesan’s ton strengthens case amid India’s wicketkeeping debate

The success of Jagadeesan's batting performance enabled India A to establish a significant lead which forced the USA team to start their batting chase. The American team showed some resistance yet they eventually lost the match because of their performance which displayed the differences in skill between the two teams. The match results showed that Jagadeesan secured victory for his team despite Tilak Varma and Ayush Badoni making important contributions. 

The batting performance has the potential to affect India's T20 plans. The combination of Ishan Kishan establishing himself as the main wicketkeeper and Sanju Samson dealing with performance issues makes it impossible to overlook Jagadeesan's achievements in A games. Samson scored 46 runs across the five-match T20I series against New Zealand while Kishan achieved above 200 runs which included a century.

Both Kishan and Samson are expected to play for the T20 World Cup squad according to actual expectations. The team will undergo changes after the tournament ends. Jagadeesan's strong performance against the USA established him as a dependable top-order batsman who can serve as India's future wicketkeeper in the shortest format.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a 15-member India A squad for the warm-up fixtures scheduled ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The selection underlines India’s intent to test its bench strength while allowing senior regulars a breather after a packed international calendar.

Ayush Badoni has been named captain of the side, a clear vote of confidence in the youngster’s leadership and temperament. The squad blends emerging talent with proven IPL performers, offering a competitive unit for the preparatory matches.

Riyan Parag and Tilak Varma both possess essential experience which helps to strengthen the middle order batting lineup. Ashutosh Sharma and Naman Dhir provide hard-hitting support while Priyansh Arya earns his spot based on his consistent domestic achievements. The team will divide wicketkeeping duties between Narayan Jagadeesan and Urvil Patel, which enables them to experiment with different player combinations.

ALSO SEE: Watch: "Sanctions may...."- Former Pakistan captain reacts to Pakistan forfeiting T20 World Cup game against India

Mayank Yadav boost strengthens India A attack ahead of USA warm-up clash

Mayank Yadav's return to the team after his lengthy injury recovery serves as the main topic of discussion. The express pacer who throws 150 kilometers per hour during IPL matches brings actual strength to the bowling group. The left-arm seamer Khaleel Ahmed and Gurjapneet Singh will join him to create a complete bowling attack.

The team has developed its base into a strong domain. The team depends on Ravi Bishnoi who leads their leg-spin bowling department by taking wickets through his performances while Manav Suthar and Vicky Nigam provide balance and control throughout the middle overs with their left-arm spin and all-rounder capabilities.

The Dr DY Patil Sports Academy will host the warm-up match between India and the USA which will start at 5 pm IST. India are the only side opting to field an ‘A’ team in the warm-ups, using the opportunity to assess depth and readiness ahead of the global event.

India A squad

Ayush Badoni (C), Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Ashutosh Sharma, Priyansh Arya, Narayan Jagadeesan (WK), Riyan Parag, Manav Suthar, Ashok Sharma, Urvil Patel (WK), Gurjapneet Singh, Vicky Nigam, Ravi Bishnoi, Khaleel Ahmed, Mayank Yadav

Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, India A will lock horns with the United States of America (USA) at the iconic Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. It will be a vital encounter for the Monark Patel-led side, who will begin their World Cup campaign against the Indian side, under Suryakumar Yadav, at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

The India A will include the top order batter, Ayush Badoni, and Priyansh Arya for the two warm-up clashes, as both of these players were released from Delhi’s Ranji Trophy squad after getting appointed for the India A side. Ayush Doseja led Delhi against Mumbai in their last league fixture of the premier first-class event.

See Also: Australia suffer major setback as star player ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka

The tickets for the warm-up clash have gone live and will remain available on BookMyShow from January 31. The price rate of the tickets begins from INR 150. The game will happen on the 5th day of February in the afternoon, a couple of days later.

Tickets on India A vs USA T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up game goes live  

Riyan Parag, who could be included in the Indian side in place of injured Tilak Varma, who has been racing against time to be fit for the competition, has smashed an overall 1566 runs in 72 innings of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Rajasthan Royals at a strike rate of 141.84, thanks to seven half-centuries at the best score of 95.

The right-handed batter has accumulated 393 runs in 14 innings at an average of 32.75 and a strike rate of 166.52, shouldering on one half-century at the best score of 95. He has already featured for the national side in nine T20Is, where he has smacked 106 runs at a strike rate of 151.42 and picked up four wickets.

After the USA warm-up clash, India A will take part against Namibia on February 06, on the eve of the World Cup at the Centre of Excellence ground in Bengaluru. The curtain raiser of the WC 2026 will be between Pakistan and the Netherlands at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo.

The former Indian spinner, Maninder Singh, tore into the India A team management after the tactical decision contributed to their exit from the Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025, with the India A side being crashed out of the campaign with the defeat against Bangladesh in the semifinal after they failed to use their brain in the chaotic super over. 

It was a brain-fade moment and a decision by the Indian management not to send their in-form and talented batter, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, as one of the two batters in the semifinal. The left-handed opening batter smashed a fine 38 runs in just 15 balls with the help of two boundaries and four sixes at a strike rate of 253.33.

See Also: Watch: Ben Stokes celebrates 5/23 during opening Ashes 2025/26 Test in Perth

“Still trying to think what the India A think-tank was doing. Why didn’t they send Vaibhav Suryavanshi to bat in the Super Over? Sunil Joshi, the India A head coach, what is he writing now? The ship has already sailed.” Maninder Singh expressed in the commentary box during the semifinal game.

Maninder Singh slams Sunil Joshi for avoiding Vaibhav Suryavanshi in Asia Cup 2025 semifinal

Bangladesh A posted 194/6 in their allotted 20 overs of the first innings of the clash as their opening batter, Habibur Rahman Sohan, smashed a fine knock of 65 runs in 46 balls with the help of three boundaries and five sixes at a strike rate of 141.30. At the same time, SM Meherob nailed an unbeaten knock of 48 runs in 18 balls with the help of six sixes and one four.

In reply, India continued to lose wickets. Apart from Suryavanshi, only Jitesh Sharma looked threatening with the bat as he got 33 runs in 23 balls with the help of two sixes and one boundary at a strike rate of 143.48. Some brainless tactic from Bangladesh pushed the game into the super over.

In the super over, India lost both their batters in the first two balls, while Bangladesh lost their first wicket in the very first ball, before a wide sealed the deal for them as they will take on Pakistan A in the final.

It's the semi-final of the ongoing Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 between India-A and Bangladesh-A (IND-A vs BAN-A). Eyes will be on emerging Indian stars like Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament with 201 runs, and Naman Dhir. Both of the batters have been in form. Apart from these two batters, the rest of the India-A team is yet to perform as a unit. The semi-final against the Bangladesh-A team can be very tough if the batters of the emerging setup of the Men in Blue misfire today at West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha, Qatar. 

If we talk about the bowling part of the India A team, then it performed more unitedly than the batting department. Gurjapneet Singh is the top wicket-taker currently. Meanwhile, Harsh Dubey and Suyash Sharma have also made contributions. On paper, India-A is ahead of the Bangladesh-A team, though it will be very early to predict the result of the semi-final. Their batting power mostly relied on Habibur Rahman Sohan and captain Akbar Ali. Indian bowlers must try to take their wickets as early as possible. 

Toss Update: 

India A won the toss and have opted to field.

Read More: Watch: Mitchell Starc dismisses well-set Jamie Smith on Day 1 of 1st Test of The Ashes

Playing XIs: 

India A: Priyansh Arya, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Naman Dhir, Nehal Wadhera, Jitesh Sharma(w/c), Harsh Dubey, Ashutosh Sharma, Ramandeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Gurjapneet Singh, Suyash Sharma

Bangladesh A: Habibur Rahman Sohan, Jishan Alam, Zawad Abrar, Akbar Ali(w/c), Mahidul Islam Ankon, Yasir Ali, SM Meherob, Abu Hider Rony, Rakibul Hasan, Abdul Gaffar Saqlain, Ripon Mondol

IND-A vs BAN-A Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 semifinal details: 

Match: BANA vs INDA, 1st Semi-Final (A1 vs B2), ACC Men's Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025

Series: ACC Men's Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025

Time: 12:30 PM LOCAL, 9:30 AM GMT

Venue: West End Park International Cricket Stadium, Doha

Stadium: West End Park International Cricket Stadium

City: Doha, Qatar

Capacity: 13,000

Streaming: SonyLIV

TV: Sony Sports Network

Ruturaj Gaikwad is knocking hard on selectors' door to enter into the playing combination of India's main team. He is currently with the India A team, and as expected, he is doing well. In the last two matches, Gaikwad registered a half-century and a century for the India A team. Now, a hidden talent of the batter captured in lenses. 

During a practice season of India A, Gaikwad was spotted playing football with his teammates Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma. Through the video, viewers can see the football skills of the star batter of India. 

Actually not only Ruturaj but also Varma and Kishan showed their talents with a football during a practice season. Those three cricketers were playing one-touch football with each other near the sideline of the ground. While Ishan and Tilak were controlling the ball with their feet, Ruturaj utilized his right shoulder as well to pass the ball. 

Read More: "Still in touch...'- Venkatesh Iyer's comment make sure KKR still can sign him for IPL 2026 season

Ruturaj Gaikwad showed his football-playing skills

Ruturaj playing some football with Tilak and Ishan. 🇮🇳

Rutu has got some Football skills too.🔥pic.twitter.com/oMQCImmX2i

— Pratyush Halder (@pratyush_no7) November 18, 2025

After plying some fine knocks with the Maharashtra cricket team in the ongoing Ranji Trophy team, Ruturaj was named to the India A team and straightaway went to play a couple of matches against the South Africa A team. On November 13, the top-order batter scored 117 runs, and in the following match, against the same opponent, he got an unbeaten 67 in Rajkot. 

Because of Gaikwad's recent form, Indian cricket fans are demanding that the BCCI include him in India's Test team. Shubman Gill is suffering from a neck injury, and as of now, he is uncertain for the India vs South Africa 2nd Test at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. How will they replace Gill if he is unable to play the match? Cricket fans and experts are eagerly waiting to see India's playing XI for the Guwahati Test match. 

A controversial moment took place between the India A vs Pakistan A clash during the Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 clash at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha. The incident took place regarding a relay catch between Nahal Wadhera and Naman Dhir that was ultimately ruled as ‘not out’ by the third umpire. 

India A had set the modest target of 137 runs after experiencing a significant batting collapse, while the opponent opening batters, especially Maaz Sadaqat, were in special touch as he smashed a dominating knock of a 31-ball fifty. As the turning point occurred on the first ball of the 10th over, when Suyash Sharma induced a lofted shot from Maaz towards the deep region.

See Also: Watch: Naman Dhir takes brilliant catch to dismiss Mohammad Naim in IND A vs PAK A Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025

Wadhera chased the shot towards the boundary line while being airborne outside the rope. He managed to flick the delivery back into play as Naman Dhir completed what appeared to be a valid catch inside the field. However, the umpires didn’t give the dismissal as Sadaqat continued batting.

Watch: India A denied wicket of Maaz Sadaqat during IND-A vs PAK-A Rising Stars 2025

Once the screen displayed ‘not out’, it stunned the Indian players. Captain Jitesh Sharma immediately clarified the decision with the officials. The decision was based on the significant change of boundary fielding announced by the MCC in June 2025.

 

 

 

 

 

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Law 19.5.2 addressed the confusion around the airborne relay attempts and the multiple touches outside the field of play. The previous rules and regulations would have given it out, but the current ones require all the fielders who touch the ball to meet the specific grounding requirements. A fielder can touch the ball once while airborne outside the boundary.

The controversy deepened when neither a six nor a single run was awarded to the Pakistan Shaheens on the delivery as the batters didn’t cross the crease. Pakistan completed a comfortable chase in the second innings and has qualified for the semi-final of the tournament.

Unlike the last few games between India and Pakistan, whether it’s the Asia Cup 2025 or the Women’s World Cup 2025 in the Dubai International Cricket Stadium or the R Premadasa Cricket Stadium, India showed their dominance with the ball and bat. However, it was not the case during the ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha. 

In the chase of the 137 runs in the second innings of the clash, Pakistan A made a cracking start with the bat as they completed their unbeaten 50-run stand in the fifth over of the fixture as their opener Maaz Sadaqat clubbed a fine undefeated knock of 60 runs in 40 balls with the help of five boundaries and three sixes at a strike rate of 150.

See Also: Watch: Saad Masood gives Naman Dhir brutal send-off during INDA vs PAKA Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025

India needed to break the stand, and it belonged to Yash Thakur, who sent back the other opening batter of the side, Mohammad Naeem, as Naman Dhir grabbed a fine catch to end the 55-run opening stand in the sixth over of the innings.

Watch: Naman Dhir takes brilliant catch to dismiss opener in IND A vs PAK A Asia Cup Rising stars 2025

Pakistan A won the toss and decided to bowl first on a surface that has been slow in the first innings for the Indian side. Their 14-year-old left-handed opening batter of the side, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, smashed a fine knock of 45 runs in 28 balls with the help of five boundaries and three sixes at a strike rate of 160.71.

pic.twitter.com/6LD2ET4FUr

— mediaa 🗂️ (@archive_PCT) November 16, 2025

At number three, Naman Dhir, smacked 35 runs in 20 deliveries at a strike rate of 175, shouldering on six boundaries and one six. Harsh Dubey was one of the five double-digit score makers for the Blue Brigade as they got bundled out 136.

Pakistan A’s opening batter, Maaz Sadaqat, smashed an unbeaten 79 runs in 47 balls at a strike rate of 168.09 as they completed the chase by eight wickets in 13.2 overs in the second innings.

Whether it’s at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium or the R Premadasa Cricket Stadium in Colombo or the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha, the clash between the two arch-rivals, India and Pakistan, has been marked by hot clashes between the players.

During the second fixture of the Indian side in the Men’s ACC Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha, the same trend continued as Naman Dhir received a brutal send-off from the off-spinner of the Pakistan side, Saad Masood, who had a hard look at the right-handed batter and asked him to leave the field.

See Also: Watch: Dhruv Jurel's sharp catch dismisses Aiden Markram during IND vs SA 1st Test in Kolkata

It was the fourth delivery of the ninth over when the right-handed batter clubbed the slow delivery from Masood into the hands of the cover fielder, having not got the same elevation he received while punching the shot. Immediately, the spinner looked into the eyes of Dhir and asked him to leave the field.

Watch: Naman Dhir gets brutal sendoff from Saad Masood during INDA vs PAKA Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025

Naman Dhir is the upcoming rising star for the Indian side who has been in fantastic touch in various contributions with the bat for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League. In the clash against the arch-rivals, the right-handed batter smashed a decent knock of 35 runs in 20 balls at a strike rate of 175 with the help of six boundaries and one six.

Saad Masood with a wicket 👏🏽 #PAKvIND

pic.twitter.com/G3Qh0RhTRp

— Usman (@jamilmusman_) November 16, 2025

In the first innings, India couldn’t put up a decent score with the bat, having been bundled out for 136 runs in 19 overs. Their left-handed young opening batter, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, smashed 45 runs in 28 balls at a strike rate of 160.71, while the second best belonged to Dhir for 35.

In reply, Pakistan completed their 50 runs in the chase during the fifth over of the innings and lost just one wicket of Mohammad Naeem. Maaz Sadaqat was in a prime touch with 56 runs in 36 balls with the help of five fours and three sixes. They were ahead of the clash in the first half and were likely to pocket the game.