Raipur/ Indore June 13, 2026

It was a proud moment for Chhattisgarh on Saturday as Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai felicitated Rajnandgaon's young cricketer Mahak Narwase after her selection as vice-captain of India's Under-19 Women's team for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour. Mahak met the Chief Minister in Raipur, where she was felicitated with a shawl and a memento. The young cricketer has been named vice-captain of both the T20 and One-Day squads for the six-match series against Sri Lanka. Calling it a matter of pride for the entire state, the Chief Minister said Mahak's achievement reflects the growing presence of Chhattisgarh's daughters on the national sporting stage. He said her journey, built on hard work and discipline, would inspire thousands of young girls across the state.

The Chief Minister expressed confidence that Mahak would continue to perform well and bring laurels to both Chhattisgarh and the country. He also reiterated the state's commitment to supporting young athletes through better infrastructure and opportunities. For Mahak, the selection marks another important milestone in a promising career. Her appointment as vice-captain is being seen as recognition of her consistent performances and leadership qualities at the junior level.

While Chhattisgarh celebrated Mahak's achievement, Madhya Pradesh also had reason to cheer. Indore's young cricketer Anaadi Tagde has earned a place in both the India Women's Under-19 T20 and One-Day squads for the Sri Lanka series. Anaadi's selection is being viewed as a significant achievement for Madhya Pradesh cricket. The young player has steadily progressed through age-group cricket and now finds herself among the country's most promising young talents.

The Women's Selection Committee announced identical 15-member squads for the tour, with Bhavika Ahire leading the side and Mahak serving as her deputy. The series will feature three T20 matches and three One-Day matches against Sri Lanka.

The inclusion of both Mahak and Anaadi highlights the growing contribution of central India to women's cricket. In recent years, states like Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh have invested heavily in sports development, and the results are beginning to show on the national stage.

For young cricketers in Rajnandgaon and Indore, the selections carry a special message. Talent from smaller cities is finding a place in the national setup, proving that dedication and performance can open doors to bigger opportunities. As Team India prepares for the Sri Lanka series, two young players from central India will be carrying the hopes of their states along with the dreams of representing the country on the international stage.

India Women’s U19 one-day squad: Bhavika Ahire (C) (WK), Ira Jadhav, Deeya Yadav, Ishwari Awasare, V Pratiksha, Mahto Nidhi, Purva Siwach, Kumari Palak, Mahak Narwase (VC), Kashvi Kandikuppa, Vidhi Parmar, Gouri Goyal, Janhavi Virkar, Anaadi Tagde, K Deeksha (WK).