“Cricket has been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember. What started out as just a past-time street sport gradually got me into the school cricketing team in my early teens. Now while some saw the immense potential in me, there were a few who criticized my choice of becoming a cricketer. Nevertheless, I truly believe I’m fortunate enough in the parental department for my mom and dad have always been my biggest cheerleaders. They didn’t pay heed to any criticism and steadily aided my climb into the Under 19 Women’s National Cricket team where I represented the country Internationally, being a fast bowler. I have also been a part of the Emerging Nations Asia Cup-winning India A team which happened in Hongkong recently and was also part of the UP Warriors team in the inaugural Women’s Premier League.
This was only possible because of the persistent effort and support from my parents and well-wishers.
Moreover, my dad being an ex-serviceman and athlete has also helped me to groom my basics in the sport. Coming from a defence background, discipline comes within and it has certainly helped me in my Cricketing career too, right from going to the regular practice to respecting the seniors and supporting staff.
Being a Fast bowler, my goal is to bowl as fast as possible and pick up the wickets. However, it certainly requires extra effort as one needs to focus on fitness, diet, and strength training because fast bowlers are more injury prone. My usual day starts in the morning as I go to the practice in the Iqbal Cricket Academy, bat for a while and bowl under my bowling coach, Kaneshkk Naidu, who’s also my trainer and in the evening I hit the Gym. During the tournaments, I usually up my training and practice accordingly to become match ready.
I have had quite a few memorable outings in my Cricketing career so far and one such was in the zonal matches which were held in Vijayawada before the under-19 squad for the world cup was picked. And it certainly opened the doors to be a part of the Under-19 Women’s world cup squad and represent India, in the international arena in 2022. It was my dream to wear the blues and sing the national anthem before the match and my dream came true when I represented my country and we won the inaugural ICC Women’s U-19 T20 World Cup.
The whole tournament was a great experience where I learned a lot of cricketing insights from the team members and staff. I am extremely grateful to be a part of the winning team in the U-19 Cricket World Cup. Moreover, playing under experienced cricketers in the International arena like Skipper Shafali Verma has been a great learning experience that certainly allowed me to push myself harder to better my game.
The tournaments like the Women’s Premier League are a wonderful phenomenon for
a lot of young cricketers who will get an opportunity to play with the big players and learn from them. It certainly allows the officials to find the raw talents of the cricketers all over the country, which is a great sign.
Today, Cricket has not only given me an identity but also taught me to be balanced in life in every aspect, throughout the highs and lows. It’s a sport of great willpower and if there’s anything I’ve learned it’s to never give up! I would like to continue to work hard and improve my game as my ultimate goal is to play for the senior Indian Women’s team.
I am extremely grateful for all my coaches, support staff, family, and friends who have supported me in this journey so far. I thank the Hyderabad Cricket Association, BCCI, and also my coaching and support staff who provided me with this opportunity to prove my mettle and I will continue to work hard and improve my game, being a cricketer.”
- Soppadhandi Yashasri, Indian Cricketer