Beed: Overcoming limited access to advanced cricketing infrastructure and training facilities, three young players from Maharashtra's Beed district have earned selection in the state's Ranji Trophy squad through sheer grit and dedication.

The inclusion of Saurabh Navale, Sachin Dhas, and Rishikesh Sonawane in the Maharashtra team marks a historic milestone. According to Amer Saleem, secretary of the Beed District Cricket Association (BDCA), this is the first time three cricketers from the district have been chosen for the state's premier domestic squad simultaneously.

"This feat is expected to inspire a new generation of cricketers in the district," Saleem said.

Highlighting their journey, Saleem noted that determination, hard work, and innate talent propelled the trio to the Ranji level. He added that while Beed has historically produced notable athletes across various sports disciplines, local cricket has seen a steady rise in performance and talent in recent years.

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The squad announcement comes as Maharashtra prepares for its upcoming campaign under new leadership. Prithvi Shaw was named captain on Saturday for their Group C Ranji Trophy opener against Services, scheduled to take place in New Delhi from October 11.

Maharashtra and Services find themselves in a competitive Elite Group C lineup that includes Bengal, Delhi, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Kerala, and Odisha.

Squad: Prithvi Shaw (c), Sachin Dhas, Digvijay Patil, Ankeet Bawane, Harshal Kate, Siddhesh Veer, Saurabh Navale (wk), Vicky Ostwal, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Mukesh Choudhary, Pradeep Dadhe, Tanay Sanghvi, Vaibhav Darkunde, Hitesh Walunj, Rishikesh Sonawane, Atharva Dharmadhikari. (PTI)