India’s performance in the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE was deeply disappointing, with Harmanpreet Kaur’s team exiting in the first round. To discuss the team’s shortcomings and the future of Indian women’s cricket, we spoke exclusively with Hemlata Kala, a prominent name in the sport. With a career spanning seven Test matches, 78 ODIs, and one T20I, she also served as the Chief Selector for the Indian women’s cricket team from 2016 to 2020.

In this candid conversation, Hemlata shed light on where the team faltered, her tenure as Chief Selector, and who could potentially take over the captaincy after Harmanpreet Kaur.

On Test Cricket and Personal Career Highlights

Q: You played seven Tests with? an impressive average of 50. Did you particularly enjoy Test cricket?

Hemlata: I enjoyed all formats?? equally, but I believe if T20 cricket existed back then, I might have been one of the best players and the most expensive pick in the WPL. My style of play suited the fast-paced format. In Tests, I got more opportunities to bat as the format allows for longer stays at ??the crease. For instance, I scored crucial centuries in tight matches against New Zealand and England, even batting alongside tail-enders like Jhulan Goswami, whose patience helped me immensely.

On Playing With Legends

Q: You’ve played alongside legends like Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami and Neetu David. How was your experience?

Hemlata: It was amazing. I shared the field with Mithali, Jhulan and David in various teams, including Railways and Air India. Their dedication was unparalleled. Even after retirement, Neetu David’s bowling accuracy remains impeccable. Playing with such committed players was a privilege.

Also READ: An Exclusive Interview with star India player Punam Raut – Role models, cricketing journey, favourite memories, Women’s ODI World Cup 2017 setback

On the 2017 World Cup journey

Q: The Indian team reached the final of the 2017 World Cup?, what were the positives for you as? a Chief Selector?

Hemlata: When I became Chief Selector in 2016, the team was ranked eighth. With inputs from Mithali, coach Atul Bedade and others, we built a stronger unit. A key decision was backing Smriti Mandhana during her l?igament injury, as we believed in her potential. She recovered in time and helped us defeat England in the tourname?nt opener. Though we fell short in the final, the journey showed our capability to compete at the highest level.

On India’s Current Challenges

Q: What do you th?ink went wrong for Team India in the recent World Cup?

Hemlata: The primary issue is the lower-order batting. Since 2017, we’ve struggled to find consistent performances from our tail-enders. Players like Smriti and Harmanpreet can’t perform every day. When the top order fails, the lower order needs to step up, which hasn’t been happening. This balance is crucial for winning high-pressure games.

Leadership Beyond Harmanpreet Kaur

Q: There were ru??mours about Harmanpreet potentially stepping down as captain. Who do you see as her ?successor?

Hemlata: If Harmanpreet steps down, the natural choice is Smriti Mandhana, ??as she is the current vice??-captain. However, leadership decisions rest with the BCCI and the selection committee.

Q: What about Jemimah Rodr??igues ??as a captaincy candidate?

Hemlata: Jemimah is an exceptional player and a great team motivator. Her energy on the field, even when not scoring runs, adds immense value. She is a future asset to Indian cricket, though I can’t say if she should be captain. Her focus should be on consistent performance.

On the Growth of Women’s Cricket

Q: What are your thoughts on the WPL and ot??her ??initiatives by the BCCI?

Hemlata: Jay Shah has done incredible work for women’s cricket. The WPL has provided a platform for players to showcase their talent alongside international stars. With more tournaments like the Challenger Trophy and 3-day cricket, the sport is progressing rapidly. I am confident we will win an ICC trophy soon.

Here’s the full interview:

Also READ: Exclusive Interview – Preeti Dimri discusses India’s T20 World Cup exit, her cricketing journey and the evolution of women’s cricket

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa69.com.

India’s performance in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 was disappointing, with Harmanpreet Kaur’s team failing to advance past the group stage. Former left-arm spinner Preeti Dimri, known for her impact in domestic and international cricket, shared her candid thoughts on the team’s performance, her career, and women’s cricket in an exclusive interview with Cricket Times.

Q: When did you start playing cricket?

Preeti: I was four years old when my mom decided one of her daughters should be an athlete. She encouraged us all to try sports like running and football, but opportunities for girls were limited back then. Since I was the youngest, she thought cricket might be a good fit and enrolled me at the Ek??lavya Sports Academy in Agra.

Q: How did you get selected for the Indian women’s cricket team?

Preeti: The senior team was headed to Belgaum, and one of their bowlers fell ill. Women’s cricket wasn’t part of the BCCI back then, and the Women’s Cricket Association used to handle the selections. Hemlata Kala recommended me to the selectors, even though I was just 12. I went for trials, and after bowling to a few batters, the selectors were convinced of my strength. That’s where my journey began.

Q: In your debut Test against England in 2006, you took five wickets. How was that moment for you?

Preeti: It was a proud moment. I was thrilled, but my mother was even happier since watching me play was her dream. After taking five w?ickets, I called her, and she told me she had already heard the news. That match was significant for me and validated the selectors�???confidence in their choices.

Also READ: An Exclusive Interview with star India player Punam Raut – Role models, cricketing journey, favourite memories, Women’s ODI World Cup 2017 setback

Q: You’ve played extensively under Mithali Raj’s captaincy. What kind of captain was she?

Preeti: Mithali was not only a great player but also an outstanding captain. A captain’s role is not just to perform but to lead, support the team and bring out the best in everyone. She excelled in these areas, and I learned a lot from her during our 18 years playing together for India and Indian Railways.

Q: How do you view BCCI’s recent decision for equal match fees for men and women?

Preeti: It’s a fantastic step, especially for the newer players. When I played, we didn’t have match fees or the facilities that are available today. Seeing this progress is very heartening.

Q: India didn’t reach the T20 World Cup semifinals this year. What went wrong?

Preeti: Fitness and strength were significant issues. The international players had superior fitness levels, which showed in areas like running, batting, bowling, ?and fielding. We need to focus? on improving fitness across all departments.

Q: Do you think it’s time for Smriti Mandhana to be appointed as India captain?

Preeti: I believe the decision should rest with the selectors. A captain’s job is to unite the team and bring out the best in players. If everyone fulfills their role well, we’ll see positive results. Leadership change may not be necessary, but whoever has shown consistent performance could be considered.

Here’s the full video:

Also READ: An Exclusive Interview with New Zealand star Xara Jetly – Netball to Cricket, Dream wickets and favourite IPL team

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa69.com.

Emerging from the vibrant tapestry of Mumbai, Punam Raut has woven her name into the annals of Indian women’s cricket. A paragon of perseverance and a beacon of talent, she has consistently defied expectations, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

Her journey, a testament to her unwavering dedication, began in the bustling streets of Mumbai, where her innate passion for the game ignited. With each stroke of her bat, she honed her skills, transforming raw potential into a formidable force. Her ascent to the national stage was a culmination of relentless toil and unwavering b??elief.

A defining moment in her career arrived in 2017 when she, along with the prodigious Deepti Sharma, etched their names in the record books by forging a world-record opening partnership. This epochal feat not only showcased Raut’s batting prowess but also underscored her ability to construct formidable innings under the most exacting circumstances.

Despite facing intermittent challenges, including inconsistent selection and limited opportunities, Raut’s indomitable spirit has remained steadfast. Her versatility extends beyond batting, as she has also distinguished herself as a dexterous wicket-keeper, contributing significantly to the team’s success. Moreover, her leadership qualities have shone through, making her a valuable asset both on and off the field.

As she continues to inspire young women to chase their dreams, Punam’s legacy as one of India’s most accomplished women cricketers is secure. Her journey serves as a poignant reminder that with unwavering determination and an unwavering belief in one’s abilities, even the most formidable challenges can be surmounted.

Here are some highlights from the interview:

Q. How did your love for cricket begin, and what sparked your passion for the sport?

Punam: My childhood memories and my household atmosphere was full of cricket, and at that time Indian Cricket team was full of stalwarts like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sourav Ganguly. It was fun to watch all of them representing India, esp?ecially more fun in India-Pakistan matches. I just started playing with my brother in gully cricket and found the thing quite intriguing as well, because I was enjoying how ball was getting connected to my bat.

But I remember this day, when I saw two boys of my age going to the ground in cricket whites to practice, I told my father about it and tried to convince everyone in the family that I want to play this sport in the summer camp. My father did support my interest and from there on, my journey as a player started. I met many people during my journey one nam??e which made a big impact was my one of the first coaches Sanjay Gaitonde, he saw me during a match where his team was playing and told me to pad up and go out to bat. I was kind of shocked that a match is not something where you see a newbie’s capability but it was at the end a practice match and I also performed well and got trained under him for years to come.

Also READ: An Exclusive Interview with USA all-rounder Geetika Kodali: Role models, Fitness regime, favourite cricketi??ng memories

Q. How did it feel to set the world record WODI partnership with Deepti Sharma?

Punam: Actually, I never thought of making a record and we were there preparing for the World Cup while playing a quadrangular series, I knew that I would be opening because of the role given to me, and Deepti too was adamant to have a stick and? open with me in that match. We both, I feel were focusing more in the process, how to plan our innings and as we got into the rhythm of connecting the ball, Deepti who was more of a junior was just starting her career, so there was a bit of understanding and camaraderie that fol??lowed.

We both felt special, I was not su?re but I felt it was a world record when we crossed 300 but when we came out it indeed was a world record.

Q. How did you handle the 2017 Women’s ODI World Cup final loss mentally?

Punam: It was of course a big match and losing a match in that fashion, coming too close to lift the title and not able to finish it off was something very denting for us. Winning a World Cup was a dream and playing in the final after such a long time was something special and we tried our hearts out but still lost so close by a meagre 9 runs difference. Dressing room was kind of shattered and everybody was in tears, crying, and see winning and losing is not in our hands but I can say it was m??y life’s saddest moment.

I remember there was a 1 day stay in Lonon where Jhulan Goswami was with me, she said that “We don’t know what we lost right now, but when you and I or every member of this team will be alone in their room we all will apparently think about this game and ?will overthink about what we did wrong.�?And she was absolutely right about it.

Q. How was it sharing dressing room with Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami?

Punam: They were seniors to us but were too approachable, fun and jolly, both were calm headed and? never pressurised us for doing something that we didn’t want. Being a senior member of the team isn’t easy but they both were always supportive, helpful to youngsters and people ?who guided us youngsters on our approach towards a problem.

In fact, I feel very lucky to have played with them, as they both were so?mething that inspired me, when I aspired to be a cric?keter from childhood, watching them on television playing cricket at a young age. It was a dream come true, playing with them and sharing the dressing room with them.

Q. Do you have a favourite team to play against and why?  

Punam:  I have two teams actually one is Australia and the other one is England, I think these two teams have a quite remarkable bowling attack which I love to face. We can ??see in the World Cup too, I batted fine against England and I have a century too against Australia. If we need on?e team to be picked for sure then it would be Australia.

Watch the full interview:

Also READ: An Exclusive Intervie??w with New Zealand star Xara Jetly: Netball to Cricket, Dream wickets and?? favourite IPL team

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa69.com.

In the heart of North Carolina, a young cricket prodigy is making waves in the American cricketing scene. Geetika Kodali, a talented all-rounder with a passion for the game, has quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with. Born and raised in the United States, Geetika’s journey into cricket began at a tender age, driven by her love for the sport and the camaraderie it fostered among her friends and family.

From her nascent days of informal play to her formal tutelage at the esteemed Cricket Zeal Academy, Geetika has meticulously honed her skills, developing a reputation for? her audacious batting and dexterous bowling. With her unwavering dedication and innate talent, she has represented several preeminent cricket associations within the Uni?ted States, showcasing her unparalleled ability to contribute significantly to the team in diverse capacities.

In this exclusive interview, we delve into the intricate tapestry of Geetika’s life and career, exploring her transformative journey, her sources of inspiration, and her ambitious aspirations. Uncover the driving forces behind her pursuit of excellence in the sport, her experiences representing the United States, and her visionary outlook on the future of American cricket.

Here are some excerpts from the interview:

Q. Would you like to share what inspired your cricketing  journey?

Geetika: So as a kid, I was always playing outdoors and I was always trying new sports. I think I started off with soccer, then tennis and swimming and then I started playing basketball. So, every season I would switch to a new sport and my parents always encouraged me to try things. So, one day I was visiting my childhood home and my friend was going to cricket practice and until then I didn’t really know it was being played professionally in America. I went along with him and I tried out the sport and I just loved it. So, I decided to start it and see how it was for a season. And I’ve just stuck with it since.

Q. How did your family contributed to your success in cricket and you taking up this sport? Because at an early age of 11, it’s really hard for a kid to decide what sport to pick up.

Geetika: Yeah, I think one of my main motivations for picking up cricket was how much it connected me to my parents. Like I felt more connected to my roots, obviously, they came from India and I was born here, but they always have enjoyed being around the cricket atmosphere and so their support has been so great. I wouldn’t be anywhere close to where I am today without their help, I mean by taking me to practice and bring me back was a long task. And actually, we moved to the other side of the country. So, I would have more access to cricket facilities and I would be able to balance my education along with cricket when I was around 15 years old.

Q. How do you manage your studies and your professional sport as well at the same time?

Geetika: Yeah, so currently I’m in college at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. It’s about 30 minutes away from my house, but I have my own apartment, and room on campus. So, I have classes four days a week and I travel back home for around two sessions a week with my coach Rohan Gosala. And apart from that, I just have to keep up with like conditioning and strength work in the gym. But balancing, it has definitely been a challenge. Like every time I move up a grade or every time, I have a tour, it’s always a new situation depending on what professors I have, what classes I’m taking. And I think the most important part is having a good support system. I’ve found some really great friends that I’m very thankful for. They always support me emotionally or by catching me up in school or just by taking some time to help me unwind. So, yeah, it’s been great so far, I think throughout high school and college it’s very different experiences with cricket and everyone in America is gonna have to go through that.

Also READ: An Exclusive Intervi?e?w with USA rising star Anika Kolan: Role models, U19 leadership, all-time favourite cricketers

Q. Which player in fact inspired you to take up the sport as a professional sport?

Geetika: The player that inspired me to take up the sport was Ellyse Perry. When I was first trying out for the national team, I would come back from school and I would watch the WBBL and the Sydney Sixers are my favourite team and she was captain and all around her, a very big part of that team along with Alyssa Healy. So, I’ve been watching her ever since and I actually had an opportunity to play under Julia Price Australian cricketer. And she told me that Ellyse Perry was very hard working and she has one of the best work ethics that she’s ever seen. And so that definitely inspired me to be like, I wanna be like that one day. I wanna be able to have people say that I balance both cricket and education well, and I was really like a well-rounded individual

Q. What challenges did you face in, in your path while representing USA cricket?

Geetika: My involvement with USA cricket is just as a player representing the national team when I get called up and hopefully being like a mentor to other younger girls in the pathway. So there have been challenges, I think one of the most impactful challenges was maybe at the U 19 World Cup in 2023 I was the captain and we did not win as many games as I would have liked to. But I felt like in our preparation, we were showing very positive signs like we had a couple of series wins before going into the World Cup and even in the practice matches, we were winning some games. But when it came to the group stage games, we were, we weren’t able to make it to the next level and there were some really close games.

So, it was definitely like, heartbreaking, but it was just a testament to seeing the difference between the challenges that we go through playing cricket in the USA not training next to each other. We’re all like maybe seven-hour, three-hour flights away from each other. So, we need to find local academies, local people and coaches to train with. And then we come together as a team for a camp and head out to a tour. So, we’re playing against other countries that have an opportunity to train together every day. They’re basically like living together and know each other inside and out. And I think that we do our best to do the same thing. But at the end of the day, we all have different lives and different challenges that we’re going through.

Q. What is your favourite cricketing memory?

Geetika: My favourite cricketing memory is when we were playing in UAE, it was a USA versus UAE under 19 bilateral series before the U 19 World Cup and the series was tied 2 to 2 and we played our final game at ICC Academy and we were, the game was very tense like it was down to us needing maybe one or two more wickets to be able to come away with a comfortable win. And the team was tense, the other team was tense and at the end of the day, the feeling of a nail biter and coming away with a win is probably one of the best feelings in the world. So yeah, that was one of the games that I think I’ll never forget and I’ll take with me.

Q. How do you deal with setbacks, for example, a low score with the stick or a bad day on the field?

Geetika: I think it’s important to kind of put into perspective that you were given the opportunity to even have a setback. I’m so grateful that my problems for the day could be having a bad over on the field or having a bad day on the field with respect to instead of it being like not being able to have food on my plate at the end of the day or anything like that.

I’m being given the opportunity to fail and to learn from my mistakes. So, building that support system around me that can help me in those times, like we’re all human, it is going to feel bad when you do fail or when you do not reach your goal for a specific day, but being able to break it down and reflect on your mistakes. For example, I take some time to unwind. I make sure that I kind of distract myself. I hang out with my teammates or I do some other work in school or something like that and then I can really dive into it once all the emotions are kind of dying down and I can look at what happened. Were there any like specific causes for the outcome that happened? And how can I fix those next time so that I have a better chance of succeeding?

Here’s the full video:

Also READ: An exclusive int??erview with UAE’s youngest captain?? Natasha Cherriath: Cricketing journey, role models and vision for the future of women’s cricket

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa69.com.

In an exclusive conversation with USA Women’s cricket star Anika Kolan, we dive deep into her remarkable journey from a promising young player to an emerging star in the world of cricket. Anika shares her passion for the sport, the challenges she’s faced, and her?? future aspirations. Born and raised in California, she discovered cricket at a young age through her father and older brother, who were deeply involved in promoting the sport locally. Anika’s initial interest sparked when she joined her family at a cricket practice, and from that moment, she was hooked.

Despite the challenges of balancing academics with a budding sports career, Anika managed to excel, thanks to her family’s unwavering support and her own disciplined approach. Her journey has not been without obstacles, particularly as a young girl entering a sport traditionally dominated by men. Anika faced skepticism and discouragement, but her resilience helped her overcome these barriers, making her one of the trailblazers for women’s cricket in the USA.

Here are some highlights from the interview:

Q: Tell us about your cricketing journey, how it all began?

Anika: So I first started playing Cricket because of my dad and my older brother. My brother’s name is Anish and he’s three years older than me so when I first started playing cricket I was born and brought up in California and there wasn’t a lot of cricket community. First of all Indian community back then at the time when I first moved into my new neighborhood so my dad my brother and a couple of other uncles had just started kind of adding a cricket program into local clubs, local schools and they were heavily involved in that but my mom and I kind of like stepped away we were focused on our studies and things like that but one time my mom and I were doing math homework at home and I just wanted a break from the math homework so I went with my brother and my dad to get dropped off at cricket practice and from there I just got really interested. I was immediately intrigued, started asking questions and then a week later I was enrolled in my first ever summer camp and from the age of 9 or 10 to now 18 that’s just how it started.

Q: How did you manage your studies while playing cricket?

Anika: It wasn’t that easy, so in junior year of my high school so my 11th grade but I played in the 2023 like the inaugural U19 World Cup and for that I had to take the first half of my junior year online because it was just so much traveling. I traveled twice to Dubai that year already, there were going to be camps election camps and of course the World Cup so with that of course with my parents support we were in my school counselor’s office two or three times a week for an hour each time basically and yeah it was just a lot of convincing and of course my school did help out a lot, but yeah it was definitely not easy but I think finding the right amount of balance and prioritizing whenever you can.

I think it comes with a lot of sacrifice, knowing that cricket is just now growing in the USA so just those times where you want to relax and you want to push your homework for later instead taking the initiative to do your homework first or put your studies first and then make that free extra time and put that towards your practice towards your fitness for your cricket. I think finding that balance is really important but I think once you set a routine or if you’re adaptable that’s even better I think once you just find those little pockets of time for you to just put work into cricket and your studies I think you can get through it but it’s definitely not easy.

Q: Who are your role models?

Anika: I think in the women’s cricket game right now would be Laura Wolvaardt I just think that I mean her batting is just so mesmerizing the energy that she brings onto the field is just absolutely stunning and it’s something that I want to keep learning every time I see her.

Another would be Sindhu Sriharsha. I mean the woman’s cricket would just in California in the US in the Associate Nations it would just not be the same without her and I think that the kind of Legacy that she has, you could talk about it however many times you want but it would just never match up to the amount of effort and the amount of consistency and passion she has for the game but also growing it and I think it’s just like um like it’s not just for herself and she’s one of the most selfless people I know because she’s doing this just not for herself but for a whole community of girls and I know she’s inspired thousands and thousands of girls including myself so she was definitely be my biggest inspiration.

Also READ: An Exclusive Interview w??ith USA captain Sindhu Sriharsha: Cricketing ido??l, Vision for USA team and Message for aspiring cricketers

Q: How do you manage the dual responsibility of both a wicketkeeper and a batter?

Anika: I think it’s an absolutely amazing feeling to have that responsibility in the first place. It’s something that I think wicket keeping is definitely my safe space whenever maybe batting is not in a knock or anything I think keeping is something that can always go to and it makes me feel in my zone makes me feel in control and having the responsibility being both a batter and a wicket keeper I think keeps me on my toes but I think more than that it helps me gets me get me more in the game, get more involved seeing every angle and there’s so much to learn when you’re behind the stumps seeing how the batter is playing but also how the field is kind of reacting to the situation there’s so much to learn there and as a batter seeing what I can do to manipulate the field and things like that so I think the responsibility is absolutely amazing. It’s one of the best feelings ever.

Q: How did it feel to lead the USA U19 team?

Anika: I mean being captain of the under 19 team in the West Indies in Trinidad I mean what can you say about that that’s just one of the most, hearing that phone call and knowing that I got appointed that position it was just the most humbling and it’s just very grateful I’ll hold it very close to my heart and I think it was just honestly an amazing tour and I’m just truly so blessed to be on the USA team because I think the way that our team camaraderie works we’re just like second family with each other and I think because of that it was just so amazing to work with these girls on and off the field and we’re like family to each other so I think that it was just an amazing tour lots of learning processes but yeah it was definitely very rewarding we tied that series two to two it got rained out instead of the three the five series games but yeah just an impeccable honor that I hold very close to my heart.

Q: What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?

Anika: I think my ODI debut against PNG that we had earlier this year in April in Dubai. I think that’s got to be one of my most memorable experience not because it was just me making my debut but officially it was our whole entire team making our debut together so I think just all of us taking that big leap making our debut together hand in hand just conquering a new series, new format and just going into the series together united as a team. I think knowing that all of us are backing each other I have the backing of my team um support staff and everyone having that type of support and that feeling I think that’s very special to me and that’s what makes this team so so special, so that would be a very memorable for me.

Q: Your all-time favourite five cricketers?

Anika: Laura Wolvaardt, Alyssa Healy, Quinton de Kock, Virat Kohli and then I think Smriti M??andhana.

Watch the full interview:

Also READ: An exclusive interview with UAE’s youngest captain Natasha Cherriath: Cricketing ??journey, role models and vision for the future of women’s cricket

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa69.com.

In an exclusive interview with United Arab Emirates (UAE) cricketer Kavisha Kumari, we delve into her remarkable journey in cricket. Starting at the age of nine, Kavisha’s passion blossomed in the streets, leading to her selection for the 2014 Gulf Cup by age 11. She reflects on the sacrifices made by her family, including missed gatherings for cricket training. Balancing academics and sports was crucial, motivated by her mother’s insistence on good grades.

Kavisha shares the thrill of winning a recent tri-series against Zimbabwe, highlighting her decisive role in a thrilling match. As women’s cricket grows globally, she expresses excitement for future tournaments and her personal achievements, including breaking Sachin Tendulkar‘s international cricket record

Here are some excerpts from the interview:

Q: Would you tell us about your cricketing journey and how it all started?

I mean it all began at the age of nine. I was just, you know, playing cricket as a hobby in the gully and everything. And then one of my dad’s friends, he saw that I had the potential and he told my dad, ‘You know, just join a club and we’ll see from where it goes.’ And then I was playing at the club and I was just having my fun time, just playing with the guys over there and enjoying. And then my dad’s friend told, ‘You know, there are trials going on in [place], why don’t you just go and try?’ So I went for the camp and went for the trial games.

And then once the games were over, I got the call saying I got selected. And then at the age of 11, I was selected for the 2014 Gulf Cup to Oman. And the funny part over here is since I was selected at a young age, my passport had the baby photo because I didn’t renew it, and I still had the baby photo. And then they had to reject my visa because I couldn’t fly alone; I had to fly with my parents. So what my dad did was we, on the day of the flying, the rest of the team went by flight. I just went with my parents on a road trip to Oman, and then that’s how I started my debut tour, and I made my debut in the final of that.

Q. What sacrifices did you or your family make for your cricketing journey?

Kavisha: I mean, the sacrifices for me would be missing out on, um, you know, family gatherings or birthday parties because I was just, every weekend we would go to the club, keep working hard. Like, every day just, you know, play this many number of balls, do spot bowling, improve on my fielding. So?? it was like a routine for me. Come back from school, finish my school work, and then around 6:00 we would go to a nearby park or to the clubs if there? were practices on the weekdays and then just keep giving my time on the nets and just keep working hard.

And yeah, the sacrifices would be a lot for my parents and me as well because we had to miss a lot of family gatherings, get-togethers with friends, and at times, after a certain period, they all stopped calling us. They’re like, ‘You guys are busy with cricket.’ So I think we did not lose friends; we just lost connection with them. But the phone is always there, so we just give them a call, and they’re like, ‘Yeah, what’s up?’ But the face-to-face meetups are something we lack. But slowly we’re getting into it because it’s time to interact with people.

Q. How do you manage your studies alongside cricket?

Kavisha: I mean, it was because of my mom. She’s like, ‘You need to get good grades, or otherwise you’re not going to play cricket.’ So she was like, you could say it was a motivation for me because I like a really good challenge. So she’s like, whenever we have exams and all, I would give my focus on that, but I will not miss my practices. So I would have this routine: as soon as I’m back from school, I would finish, um, I would have my lunch and then finish all my studies, like homework and etc., before 6:30, and then after that, it’s cricket time. And during school times, I would try and finish all my homework so I can come home and study instead of finishing all the homework, so I’m prepared for the next day as well as for the future tests. And also just, um, just studying whatever they taught us on that same day, which helped me because I wouldn’t like, you know, cram everything all at once and get struggle with my exams.

Q. The tri-series recently when your team beat Zimbabwe, tell us about that experience?

Kavisha: I mean, it was a really good experience. From the way we started off winning off against Namibia, then lost against Zimbabwe. So it was ??a tri-series, right? And then again we won against Namibia, and then the second game against Zimbabwe was a must-win for us. They scored around 146, and we had to chase it down. Me and Isa, we had a really good partnership of 100-plus runs, and then she got out in the 18th over, and we needed 13 runs.

Then it ended up in the last six balls; we needed 13 runs, so I was the said batter, and the non-strikers were like, you know, they’re the newcomers, right? So everything kind of fell on me, and I was just like focusing myself. I was like, ‘I just need to get the maximum runs from every ball.’ Like, that was my whole target: 13 balls, 13 runs—sorry, six balls, 13 runs required. So I just needed to get the maximum runs as possible. We got the first boundary in the second ball because the first ball was a wide. Then it was a boundary, and then we got a couple of wides, and then we got a single in the middle. And then we needed, I think, two more boundaries, and I did go for two more boundaries. And then the last ball, we needed two runs to win, and I was telling my non-striker, I was like, ‘Whatever happens, you’re running. Like, whatever happens, you’re going to run it out.’

And then, luckily, we didn’t have to run it out. I just hit a crispy shot towards cow corner, and we got the win. And it was a big win for us because it was our second time defeating Zimbabwe, and they’re higher ranked than us, ??so it’s always beneficial for our ranking as well. And then we got the tip of them, and we defeated them easily as well in our last game against them, and we won the Capricorn series easily. From the way we started to where we ended, it was really good,?? and it felt really good compared to our camp in the Asia Cup, and it was a really good outing so far, and yeah.

Also READ: An Exclusive Interview with Netherlands captain Babette de Leede: Leadership, Legacy, T20 World Cup pre??dictions and future of Women’s cricket

Q. You happened to, you know, surpass Sachin Tendulkar. So how was that feeling?

Kavisha: There was a funny story for that because the moment I scored that 50 for me, it was another 50 on that day, and it was my first 50 against UAE for Malaysia on an international stage. So for ??me, it was a special 50, but I didn’t know that I broke the record o?n that day or the couple of days. I only got to know later on in the year when Shafali Verma scored her 50 against West Indies, and then a friend of mine who was in India, she saw the Times of India and she was like, you know, you are the first one to break it.

I was like, uh, what do you mean? Like, can you send me the paper clip in, like, the photo? And then she sent, and it was written that she’s the first Indian; like, she’s the youngest Indian to score a half-century. However, it i?s held by Kavisha Egodage who holds the record at 15 years and 267 days and breaking the record which was held by Sachin. I was like, I was like, what? I really did that? Because on that given day, it was just a special 50 for me since it’s my first, but I never knew I broke the record of the god of cricket, and it meant so much to me.

I was like, I was like, I was bamboozled, and I was like, I didn’t know; like, all the emotions were going. I was like, like, first it was my first 50, and then now it was the one which broke Sachin Tendulkar’s record. I was�?it was, you can’t say any words; it just like, I could say, like, all the hard work and dedication like came into one place and just everything came up, and I’m like humbled to have that record right now. So, li?ke, especially breaking it off of the god of cricket, so it means so much to me.

Q Who were your idols or role models when you were growing up?

Kavisha: So when I back then it was more male-dominant and women’s cricket came in later on, right? Like, it’s not much you could see about female cricket on the TVs back then. It was Tillakaratne Dilshan, the one who invented the Dil scoop. And then as you grow older, yeah, idols do change. And now for me currently, it’s Chamari Athapaththu and Sophie Devine. The way they play is so elegant to watch them bat every day.

Q. Looking ahead, what are your predictions for the Women’s T20 World Cup?

Kavisha: Okay, that’s going to be�?okay, the first two will be easy to pick. It’s going to be Australia and India in my book. And then the last, so England can make it, and it’s�?so England, A??ustralia, India, and hopefully West Indies can make it to the fourth because they got the likes of Dottin in their team as well. Yeah, so it’s a new team, and they got a senior blend of seniors and juniors. So, my main picks are India, Australia, England, and West Indies.

Q: Which teams do you support apart from the UAE?

Kavisha: My favorite teams are Australia, Sri Lanka, and England.

Q: Who are your favourite all-rounders in women’s and men’s cricket?

Kavisha: For women’s cricket, I admire Chamari Athapaththu, Sophie Devine, Deandra Dottin and Hayley Matthews. For men’s cricket, Sam Curran, Glenn Maxwell and Hardik Pandya are my favourites.

Watch the full interview:

Also READ: An Exclusive I??nterview with USA captain Sindhu Sri??harsha: Cricketing idol, Vision for USA team and Message for aspiring cricketers

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa69.com.

In an insightful conversation with Natasha Cherriath, the youngest captain to lead the UAE Women’s Cricket Team, we explore her ??remarkable journey, the challenges of leadership, and her hopes for the future of women’s cricket in the UAE.

Natasha, a trailblazer for women’s cricket in the region, began her journey at the age of four with a plastic cricket bat and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming captain at just 12. Today, she is a prominent figure in UAE cricket and a role model for young girls aspiring to follow in her footsteps. Natasha’s journey from playing with a plastic bat at home to captaining the UAE Women’s Cricket Team is an inspiring story of passion, perseverance, and breaking barriers. She remains a symbol of hope for the future of women’s cricket in the UAE and beyond, encouraging young girls to follow their dreams with hard work, humility and joy.

Here are some excerpts from the interview

Q: Can you walk us through your cricketing journey?

Natasha: My cricket journey probably began when I was around four or five years old when I got my first plastic cricket bat from my family. In our small room, we created our own little game if I hit the ball and it touched the floor, it was a four, and if it hit the ceiling, it was a six. That’s how I first learned the game. I owe a lot to my family for that because I was always surrounded by cricket growing up. My dad, my uncles, and I would watch every cricket match, especially whenever India was playing. Du??ring every World Cup, we’d stay up regardless of the time zone.

That’s how I first got into cricket—it was fun for me. One day, my parents thought, “How about getting her some proper coaching?” This was back in the UAE, around 2004 or 2005, and at that time, women playing cricket wasn’t really common, especially in this part of the world. That’s when I met my first coach, Shahzad Altaf, to whom I owe a lot of my cricketing career. He had to get special permission from the Sharjah Cricket Board ??just so I could play cricket with the boys because there were?n’t any girls playing back then.

I remember the first time he handed me a wooden bat, it felt really heavy. But in my mind, I thought, “I need to work harder to lift this.” We were at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, and they tossed me a few balls, and it just felt amazing. It felt like this was something I was meant to do, and luckily, I had enough talent to back me up. From there, things progressed. They organized an inter-school tournament just for girls, and we had quite a bit of interest. That’s when they brought in Smitha Harikrishna, an ex-Indian cricketer, along with Pramila Bhatt, who trained and coached us.

Soon after, we had our first-ever UAE women’s cricket camp, where we ?went through a series of drills and sessions. Up until that point, I had only played inter-school cricket and had no experience playing at a professional level. It was all fun, but also thrilling to think about the possibility of representing my country, especially as a teenager. That’s something most people only dream of. The UAE women’s team was eventually formed, and to my surprise, I was named captain at the age of 12! It was quite a shock, considering I was the youngest, and there were players much older than me. But it felt good to be trusted with such responsibility at that age. I’ve always loved the ga??me, and I think that passion helped me handle the pressure that came with it.

Also READ: An Exclusive Interview with USA??? captain Sindhu Sriharsha: Cricketing idol, Vision for USA team and Message for aspiring cricketers

Q: What was it like leading the UAE women’s cricket team at such a young age?

Natasha: It was a lot of deep breaths and moments of telling myself, “Okay, I can do this.” But I think what made it easier was the people I had around me whether it was my teammates or our vice-captain at the time, Meena Sankar. Interestingly, her daughter was also playing on the team. Smitha Harikrishna and Purnima Rau, along with others, really made me fe??el comfortable a?nd supported.

At that point, I was still learning basic field positions. Even though I had watched a lot of cricket, it was different being on the field and actually having to direct players telling a fielder at point to move a little in, for example. The first tournament was more about generating game awareness for me because we were still finding our feet. We got thrown into competition against teams like Bangladesh, who were an associate nation at the time. I remember one match where we were bowled out for just nine runs, an embarrassing defea?t. That was a huge shock for us, bu??t the resilience my team showed during that time was what made it easier for me.

It would’ve been easy to say, “I shouldn’t do this anymore,” or for the board to think about changing the captain. But we all knew we were in the early stages of development, and the main expectation was that we conduct ourselves properly, representing the nation. It was a lot to take in, but I think that period of my life shaped who I am today. I was thrown into failure and defeat right away, and I always tell people that if you haven’t faced failure yet, it’s coming, and it will teach you a lot. That’s the only way you truly learn. Since then, we’ve only improved, and when I look at UAE women’s cricket today, I’m proud of how far we’ve come. It’s been a great journey.

Q: Who were your role models growing up, and how did they shape your journey?

Natasha: Growing up, I had three cricketers who really inspired me. It all started with Rahul Dravid. To this day, even as a coach, I still look up to him. He did wonders with the Under-19 team and continues to do so, especially now with a World Cup under his belt. Then there was Glenn McGrath. I thought he was a beautiful bowler because, while he wasn’t the ?pace attack, his line and length were key. He was reliable, whenever you needed him, he’d bowl in the same spot for the entire Test match. I really admired that consistency as a bowler.

As I grew older, of course, the greatest, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, came into the picture??, and he’s been an ins?piration ever since.

Then, when I finally got to watch women’s cricket on TV, I really looked up to Ellyse Perry. A lot of girls admire her, and I personally do too. She has set the bar in so many ways. I was lucky enough to meet and train with her when the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder came down to Abu Dhabi during the WBBL. We had a training session with them and seeing her work eth?ic was incredible. To give you an example, after a two-and-a-half to three-hour training session in the summer heat of Dubai, everyone was leaving, but she stayed behind doing shuttle runs, almost like a yo-yo timing test. She’s absolutely amazing.

Q: What advice would you give to young girls aiming for a cricket career?

Natasha: Well, first of all, I would say that no matter how talented you are, there’s always room for improvement and learning. Never stop learning. That would be my first piece of advice. I think it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that talent alone will take you far, but talent can only get you so far. You have to work hard every single day. With all the resources available now, like watching videos on YouTube and following the routines of top cricketers, there’s always something to learn and improve upon.

Second, I’d say always stay humble, no matter what you achieve. Cricket is a team sport, and it’s important to remember that you’re never alone on the field. It’s not just about you; it’s about the entire team working together. Staying grounded is really key.

Lastly, just enjoy the game. If I had the chance to play cricket any time of the day, I would absolutely take it. Sometimes we get caught up in the pressure, whether it’s scoring runs, taking wickets, or hitting certain milestones, but at the end of the day, the love for the game should always come first. Enjoying what you do is essential. Those would be my three key pieces of advice.

 Q: Who was the toughest bowler you have faced in your career?

Natasha: I did face Jhulan Goswami at one point in my life uh for one over and it was the most knocking over of my life uh because I was just told to just stay don’t get out whatever you do don’t get out um, so I think facing her in the Nets uh definitely uh was you know something that was difficult.

Q: What are your predictions for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024?

Natasha: I do think that the semi-finalist will probably be the big four uh but you never know with the surprise coming in uh I do see Australia, India, England um the fourth place is a toggle between South Africa and West Indies um I think that’s uh something that I don’t I can’t see at the moment it just depends on how they play in the tournament um and the winning team because I do have a soft spot for Australia I think it might be Australia but I’m also hoping that India wins the World Cup this time because they have a good team.

Q: Who do you think will be the player of the tournament in the WT20 WC 2024?

Natasha: I don’t know why but I have a feeling it’s going to be uh Jemimah Rodrigues from India I okay have a feeling that this is her tournament she’s going to click somehow and uh going to take in there all the way.

Here’s the full interview:

Also READ: An Exclusive Interview with Netherlands captain Ba?bette de Leede: Leadership, Legacy, T20 World Cup predictions and future of Women’s?? cricket

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa69.com.