Ayush Badoni Named India A Captain for T20 World Cup Warm-ups; Tilak Varma, Riyan Parag Return to Action

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the India A squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup warm-up fixtures, naming Lucknow Super Giants all-rounder **Ayush Badoni** as captain. This selection provides crucial game time for several key IPL stars returning from injury ahead of the main tournament.

The squad, which includes established internationals like Tilak Varma, Riyan Parag, Ravi Bishnoi, Khaleel Ahmed, and Mayank Yadav, will kick off their campaign against the United States of America on February 2. The warm-up matches are particularly significant for Mumbai Indians batter Tilak Varma, who is set to play his first match since undergoing testicular torsion surgery, and Rajasthan Royals' Riyan Parag, who is returning from a shoulder injury. Additionally, LSG pacer Mayank Yadav will feature in competitive cricket after a nine-month layoff, having last played during IPL 2025.

Badoni's appointment as captain highlights his growing leadership role, while the inclusion of players like Priyansh Arya, Naman Dhir, and Ashutosh Sharma ensures a strong mix of youth and experience. These fixtures against the USA and Namibia will be vital for the players to rediscover match fitness and form before the T20 World Cup officially begins.