Three promising cricketers from Madhya Pradesh have earned maiden call-ups to the India Under-19 squad for the upcoming assignments against Sri Lanka. The players are fast bowler Anaadi Tagde from Indore, award-winning all-rounder Yashbardhan Singh Chouhan from Gwalior, and Manal Chauhan from Morena, who captained Madhya Pradesh to its historic Cooch Behar Trophy victory.
Yashbardhan Singh Chouhan named captain
Seventeen-year-old Yashbardhan has been handed the responsibility of leading the Indian colts in both the three-match one-day series starting July 4 and the two-match four-day series beginning July 13. The all-rounder has enjoyed a remarkable rise, recently receiving the prestigious Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy at the BCCI Naman Awards after emerging as the leading wicket-taker in the Vijay Merchant Trophy. In the 2024-25 season, he took 37 wickets and scored 853 runs, highlighting his potential as one of the country's finest junior prospects.
Expressing his excitement, Yashbardhan told TOI, "It is a huge honour to lead India. I have always focused on contributing to the team in whatever role I am entrusted with. Captaining the side is a responsibility that I am looking forward to keenly. I hope to make the most of this opportunity."
Manal Chauhan joins the four-day squad
Joining Yashbardhan in the four-day squad is 18-year-old all-rounder Manal Chauhan from Morena. Both players represent the Chambal division in state cricket. Manal captained Madhya Pradesh to its maiden Cooch Behar Trophy title, ending a long wait that dated back to the tournament's inception in 1945-46.
Manal, who took up professional cricket in 2021 on the advice of coach Rajesh Tomar, told TOI, "I am still trying to process the news. It came as a pleasant surprise for me. I just returned from the NCA camp to receive this news."
Anaadi Tagde selected in women's U-19 squads
For Indore's Anaadi Tagde, selection came in both the India women's Under-19 one-day and T20 squads for the series against Sri Lanka. The 16-year-old pacer will feature in the home series comprising three one-dayers and three T20s, beginning June 22 across Chennai and Puducherry.
Anaadi first caught attention as a nine-year-old with her natural bowling ability. Introduced to the game by her mother, former cricketer Deepti Tagde, she later honed her skills through structured coaching. Her father Anurag completed the ICC Basic Course in cricket to better understand the sport and support her development.
"I am very excited and happy to be selected in both the one-day and T20 squads. Wearing the India jersey has always been my dream. I want to give my best, enjoy the experience and contribute to the team's success," Anaadi told TOI.
