Ayush Mhatre dropped: IPL superstars who were ignored for Rising Stars Asia Cup 2025

Ayush Mhatre hasn't been picked for Rising Stars Asia Cup [Source: AFP]

In a significant development, the BCCI unveiled India A's star-studded squad for the upcoming Rising Stars Asia Cup. Led by Jitesh Sharma, India-A have some outright match-winners, with the likes of Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Priyansh Arya, Nehal Wadhera and Ramandeep Singh, etc., constituting their lineup. However, while the BCCI gave these young talents a golden opportunity, several renowned IPL names missed out on selection, as mentioned below. 

Ayush Mhatre ignored for Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Priyansh Arya

(Ayush Mhatre's IPL 2025 stats)

• Ayush Mhatre had a memorable IPL 2025 campaign, amassing 240 runs at a healthy average of 34.29 and a blistering strike rate of 188.98. He consistently provided CSK with flamboyant starts, resolving their top-order woes and presenting a strong case for his retention ahead of the 2026 auction. 
• However, despite his heroics for the Super Kings, Ayush Mhatre failed to find a place in India-A squad for the Rising Stars Asia Cup, with the BCCI preferring Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Priyansh Arya for the opening slots. It's worth noting that Mhatre appears to be part of India's Test plans, with the BCCI giving him regular opportunities in red-ball cricket. 

(Mhatre, Suryavanshi and Arya in white-ball cricket after IPL 2025)

• Furthermore, Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Priyansh Arya have been more impressive than Mhatre in the post-IPL period, so these could be the primary reasons they have been chosen over the CSK prodigy for the marquee tournament. 

Riyan Parag's exclusion: A shocking decision?

(Riyan Parag's IPL 2025 stats)

• Riyan Parag's exclusion from the India-A squad for the Rising Stars Asia Cup is definitely eyebrow-raising. Besides scoring brisk runs with his scintillating stroke play, Parag can also chip in with crucial overs as a wily spinner. 
• More importantly, Riyan Parag recently oozed his class in the white-ball series against Australia-A, scoring 187 runs at a magnificent average of 62.33 and a strike rate of 123.84. The Rising Stars Asia Cup was the perfect stage to test Parag's readiness for a T20I comeback, with India aiming to revamp their middle-order by roping in multidimensional players. Therefore, we believe Riyan Parag should've been included in the team, and this decision might also have proved beneficial for India in the long run. 

Ayush Badoni fails to find a place in IND-A squad

(Ayush Badoni's IPL 2025 stats)

• Just like Riyan Parag, Ayush Badoni's exclusion from the India-A team for the Rising Stars Asia Cup is nothing short of surprising. As evidenced by the above stats, Badoni was one of the most prolific batters for Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2025, amassing 329 runs across eleven innings at an average of 32.90 and a strike rate of 148.20. 
• His ability to arrest batting collapses and up the ante at will could've made him a valuable asset for India-A. While the BCCI picked Ramandeep Singh, Suryansh Shedge and Gurjapneet Singh, who were among the least impactful players in IPL 2025, someone like Badoni, who actually performed in the tournament, deserved a chance in this tournament. 

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