The build-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 officially begins on February 2, with warm-up matches getting underway ahead of the marquee tournament. While Afghanistan face Scotland in the opening fixture, India ‘A’ will be in action later in the day as part of the ICC’s warm-up schedule.

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Although the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not made a formal announcement, the India ‘A’ squad has been listed on the board’s official website. The second-string side will play two warm-up games against the USA on February 3 and Namibia on February 6, providing crucial match practice to several emerging Indian players ahead of the World Cup.

Led by Ayush Badoni, the 15-member squad features a host of IPL standouts, including Tilak Varma, Riyan Parag, Mayank Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi. Notably, Washington Sundar is absent as he continues his recovery from injury.

Tilak Varma’s return is a major boost. The left-hander missed the entire T20I series against New Zealand after undergoing abdominal surgery but has now been cleared to play after passing his return-to-play fitness tests at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. Slated to bat at No. 3 for India in the World Cup, Tilak will use the warm-up fixtures to gain valuable game time and could also feature in India’s official warm-up match against South Africa on February 4.

Riyan Parag, who had been sidelined with a shoulder injury for nearly two months, has also been cleared. The Rajasthan Royals batter recently shared videos of match simulations from the BCCI CoE, appearing in fine touch. Fast bowler Mayank Yadav, one of the quickest bowlers in the country, has also returned after another injury setback — a welcome development for Indian cricket.

The India A squad is stacked with domestic and IPL talent, leading to several players missing the Ranji Trophy quarter-finals scheduled for February 6. Badoni, who recently earned his maiden India call-up as a replacement for Washington Sundar in the New Zealand ODIs, will captain a strong batting unit comprising Naman Dhir, Ashutosh Sharma, Priyansh Arya, Tilak Varma, Parag, N Jagadeesan and Urvil Patel.

The bowling attack is equally impressive. Ravi Bishnoi leads the spin department alongside all-rounders Manav Suthar and Vipraj Nigam. The pace unit includes Gurjapneet Singh and Khaleel Ahmed, with added firepower from 150+ kmph bowlers Mayank Yadav and Ashok Sharma, part of the BCCI’s long-term fast-bowling plans.

The DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai will host the India ‘A’ vs USA warm-up as well as India’s warm-up match against South Africa, while the BCCI Centre of Excellence will stage the India ‘A’ clash against Namibia. With two associate teams as opponents, the warm-up games present a valuable opportunity for players to stake their claim and make a strong impression ahead of the World Cup.

India A squad for T20 World Cup 2026 Warm-ups

Ayush Badoni (c), Naman Dhir, Ashutosh Sharma, Priyansh Arya, N Jagadeesan (wk), Tilak Varma, Riyan Parag, Manav Suthar, Ashok Sharma, Urvil Patel (wk), Gurjapneet Singh, Vipraj Nigam, Ravi Bishnoi, Khaleel Ahmed, Mayank Yadav