FAST rising talented Vidarbha cricketer Arya Pongde has been named in Under-19 India A squad for a tri-series, featuring India B and Nepal, scheduled to be held at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru next week. Arya’s exploits in the Women’s U-19 T20 Challenger Trophy 2026–27 that concluded in Bilaspur on Thursday helped her book a spot in the side. Arya emerged as top-scorer and was adjudged Player of the Series. Her performance in the tournament helped her Team B clinch the title. The 16-year-old left-handed opener amassed 186 runs in just three innings to impress the selectors. To find a place among U-19 team being much younger is a commendable achievement in itself. After the tri-series, India will play the visiting England eves as the two-time defending champions India are looking to enter the final leg of preparations ahead of next year’s Under-19 World Cup. Under the guidance of Nagpur Cricket Academy (NCA) Head Coach Mohan Sambre, Arya steadily honed her batting skills, developed her game awareness and prepared herself for higher levels of competition. Talking to ‘The Hitavada’, Madhav Bakre, Director, NCA, said, “Arya’s achievement is the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance and family sacrifice. She began her cricketing journey at NCA with her parents travelling nearly 100 kilometres (from Umred) every day to bring her for coaching sessions. Their unwavering support and commitment played a crucial role in her development. Her selection is not only a personal milestone but also another feather in NCA’s cap,” said a proud Bakre. “Arya’s story truly reflects the power of dreams, sacrifice and dedicated coaching,” Bakre added.