Rourkela, Jan 29: Two young cricketers from Rourkela, Piyush Panigrahi and Gunjan Sahu, have earned places in the Odisha team, drawing attention from the cricketing fraternity for their impressive performances on the pitch. Their rise reflects both individual talent and the growing cricket culture in Sundargarh district.

Piyush Panigrahi, a right-arm spinner, first came into prominence in 2019 when he was selected for the Odisha Under-16 team. He later represented the state in the Under-19 category, taking seven wickets in the 2024–25 season. His consistent performances, including matches in Bengaluru and Cuttack, saw him emerge as Odisha’s top-ranked bowler in senior cricket.

In 2025, Panigrahi was drafted into the senior Odisha squad, playing in Chennai, Chandigarh, and Nagpur, where his bowling drew praise from seasoned players. Panigrahi now has his sights set on national-level tournaments and Ranji Trophy appearances.

Gunjan Sahu, who began training in Panposh, has followed a similar trajectory. His breakthrough came in the 2024–25 district-level competition in Sundargarh, where he claimed six wickets. He went on to shine at the state level in Cuttack, bagging 12 wickets and earning selection for national tournaments.

In December 2025, Sahu represented Odisha in the Under-16 nationals at Gwalior, taking four wickets against Punjab. His pace bowling has made him one of the promising prospects for Odisha cricket.

Both players credit their families and coaches for unwavering support. Parents have spoken of the sacrifices and encouragement that helped the youngsters pursue their passion, while coach Prashant Kayasth emphasized discipline and hard work as the foundation of their success.

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The duo continue to train rigorously, aiming to maintain their form and contribute to Odisha’s cricketing ambitions. Their journey highlights the importance of grassroots development and the role of local coaching in nurturing talent capable of competing at higher levels.