Raipur, June 7: Chhattisgarh opening batsman Ayush Pandey has been selected in the India ‘A’ squad for the upcoming red-ball tour of Sri Lanka. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the 15-member squad on Saturday for the multi-day matches, marking a historic milestone as Pandey becomes the first player from Chhattisgarh to receive an India ‘A’ call-up.

The left-handed opener earned his spot following a stellar Ranji Trophy season, where he amassed 573 runs across seven matches at an average of 57.30, including a top score of 183. The Indian team, led by wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel with Devdutt Padikkal as vice-captain, is scheduled to play two unofficial Test matches against Sri Lanka ‘A’ in Galle starting 25 June.

Chhattisgarh Finance Minister OP Choudhary congratulated the young cricketer, extending his best wishes for a successful tour. The minister described the selection as a direct result of Pandey’s sustained hard work, discipline, and technical proficiency on the field.

Choudhary noted that Pandey’s accomplishment has brought immense pride to the entire state. He added that the rising trajectory of young athletes from Chhattisgarh at the national level serves as a major inspiration for aspiring sportspersons across the region.