Bhubaneswar, Dec 1: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday felicitated the four Odisha players who were part of India’s visually impaired women’s cricket team that lifted the inaugural Women’s Blind T20 World Cup in Colombo. The players — Phula Saren (Balasore), Parbati Marndi (Mayurbhanj), Jamuna Rani Tudu and Basanthi Hansda — received a warm welcome on their return to the state.

At a special ceremony hosted at his residence, the Chief Minister honoured each cricketer with a cash award of Rs 11 lakh, commending their discipline, grit and outstanding performance on the global stage. Majhi said the players had not only made India proud but had also brought immense glory to Odisha. “Your journey is an inspiration for every young sportsperson in our state,” he said.

Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, Commissioner-cum-Secretary Sachin Ramachandra Jadhav, Sports Director Dr Yeddula Vijay, coach Debashish Jena and other senior officials were present during the felicitation. The players were part of the Indian squad that defeated Nepal in a tense final to clinch the maiden T20 World Cup title for visually impaired women.

BCCI Calls 'Gambhir' Meeting
However, everything is not Hunky-dory in India's cricket. Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir and selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar have reportedly been called for a meeting with senior BCCI officials on December 3. The discussion is scheduled ahead of the second ODI against South Africa, though the board has not officially disclosed the agenda or purpose.

This comes following India's abysmal performance in the home Test series against South Africa, where the Proteas dominated the series with a whitewash of India by 2-0.

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South Africa handed India the heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The momentum built over the past six months has all but vanished, and the futures of several players - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.