Odisha felicitates three blind cricketers bound for Asia Cup
Bhubaneswar witnessed a proud moment on Sunday as the Cricket Association for the Visually Impaired Odisha (CAVI Odisha), supported by NCSCDA, honored three standout state players. Sukhram Majhi, Nakula Badanayak, and Debaraj Behera received special recognition following their inclusion in the 24-member probable Indian squad for the upcoming Asia Cup T20 Cricket Championship for the Blind 2026. This selection reflects Odisha's continued success in developing world-class talent for national disability sports programs, a sector where regional athletic bodies have invested heavily over recent years.
Delhi selection trials
These three Odisha visually impaired cricketers will head to New Delhi for a rigorous selection camp scheduled from October 6 to October 17. The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) will evaluate all participating athletes before announcing the final 17-member Indian squad on October 17. Selected players will then undergo an intensive preparatory coaching block in the capital until November 12. Finally, the national team will depart for Dhaka, Bangladesh, where the championship matches will take place from November 13 to November 20.
Player Profiles
Sukhram Majhi brings over a decade of international experience to the blind cricket Indian squad. Representing India since 2011, he played a crucial role in capturing the 2016 Asia Cup in Kerala and the 2017 T20 World Cup titles. His veteran presence adds immense stability to the dressing room. Nakula Badanayak debuted for the national team in 2018 and helped secure the 2022 T20 World Cup. He consistently delivers aggressive batting alongside a highly challenging pace bowling attack. Debaraj Behera, a B1-category bowling all-rounder, broke into the national side in 2022 after dominating domestic blind cricket. He generates impressive pace, bounce, and variation on the pitch, while remaining a highly capable batsman.
