T20 World Cup 2026: Ayush Badoni To Lead India A vs USA in Warm-Up Game; BCCI Announces Squad

The BCCI has named a 15-member India A squad for warm-up matches ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, which starts on February 7. The group blends established domestic performers with younger players and is scheduled to face the USA and Namibia in official practice fixtures.

Ayush Badoni has been appointed captain for these games, giving Badoni responsibility to guide several emerging talents. The matches are part of India’s final preparation phase before the senior team opens its T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7.

T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up schedule and venues

India A will first meet the USA on February 2 at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. After that contest, the squad will travel to Bengaluru to face Namibia on Friday, February 6, at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1, offering varied conditions before the main tournament.

A major talking point is Tilak Varma’s return to action in these fixtures. Tilak Varma will play for the first time since undergoing testicular torsion surgery. Also picked in the senior squad for the T20 World Cup 2026, Tilak Varma will look to gain rhythm and confidence before the global event begins.

T20 World Cup 2026 India A squad composition

The batting group includes Ayush Badoni, Naman Dhir, Ashutosh Sharma, Priyansh Arya, Tilak Varma and Riyan Parag. Narayan Jagadeesan and Urvil Patel are the designated wicketkeepers, adding depth at the top and middle order. Both can anchor an innings or accelerate, depending on match situations across the two warm-up games.

The bowling and all-round options give India A a balanced look for the T20 World Cup 2026 build-up. Manav Suthar, Ashok Sharma, Gurjapneet Singh, Vipraj Nigam, Ravi Bishnoi, Khaleel Ahmed and Mayank Yadav complete the squad. This mix of pace, spin and utility players should help simulate different tactical plans.

With opponents and venues finalised, the India A fixtures offer a clear build-up path towards the T20 World Cup 2026. Performances in these games, especially from players like Tilak Varma and Ayush Badoni, could shape roles and confidence levels as India moves into the tournament’s opening week.