CG cricket prodigy Mahak picked for U-19 women’s series against Lanka, made vice-captain

Raipur: In a huge personal milestone in his still-fledgeling cricketing life, rising Chhattisgarh cricket prodigy Mahak Narwase was named in the India Under-19 women’s squad for the upcoming T20 and one-day series against Sri Lanka, beginning June 22.

Adding another feather to her cap, Mahak was also appointed vice-captain of the national side. The Rajnandgaon-born all-rounder became the first woman cricketer from Chhattisgarh to be selected for the national squad for an ICC age-group tournament in any format, marking a watershed moment for the state’s cricketing fraternity, said officials of the Chhattisgarh State Cricket Sangh (CSCS).

The talented bowling all-rounder was rewarded for her consistent performances across age-group and senior domestic cricket.

Mahak has been a prominent figure in Chhattisgarh women’s cricket over the past few years, having represented the state in the Under-15, Under-19, Under-23 and Senior Women’s teams. Her steady rise through the ranks has reinforced both her talent and dedication to the game.

Currently undergoing advanced training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, Mahak has impressed selectors with her all-round abilities. A right-handed batter and right-arm off-spinner, she has delivered notable performances in domestic tournaments this season.

In the Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy 2025-26, Mahak aggregated 212 runs and claimed 20 wickets in nine matches, underlining her worth as a genuine all-rounder. She also produced impactful performances in the women’s U-23 and U-19 competitions, coming with eye-catching performances with both bat and ball.

Mahak told TOI that she took 13 wickets in the four matches that she played during her stint at the NCA in Bengaluru, which she believes prompted her selection.

“My parents motivated me to pursue a career in cricket. I started playing state-level tournaments organised by the CSCS at the age of 12,” she said, crediting her coach, Manoj Tiwari, for shaping her cricketing career.

Radheshyam Narwase, Mahak’s father and a high school teacher, told TOI that she would hit plastic balls with a wooden bat used for washing clothes when she was in Class 4. “We noticed her interest in cricket and encouraged her to take up the game seriously when she was in Class 6,” he said.

Her selection is being viewed as a proud moment for Chhattisgarh cricket, which continues to produce talented cricketers capable of competing at the national level. The call-up also highlights the growing strength of women’s cricket in the state and the effectiveness of the development pathway put in place by the CSCS.

Mahak’s inclusion in the national squad is likely to inspire young cricketers across Chhattisgarh, particularly aspiring female players from smaller towns and districts. With the Sri Lanka series offering an important platform for emerging talent, the Rajnandgaon cricketer will be keen to make a strong impression in Indian colours and catch the eyes of the national selectors.