In July, Rajeshwary Gayakwad, a seasoned Indian left-arm spinner, spoke about a shared sentiment among her teammates. After nearly a decade in international cricket, she’s seen the sport evolve both in India and globally. Despite enjoying the perks of being a women’s cricketer, Gayakwad has one unfulfilled dream: winning a championship with the Indian team.
Achieving that dream comes with its own set of conditions. She says, “We are content with what we achieve. When we dream too big, we often end up with nothing. Dreams are common, but what truly matters is how much effort you’re willing to put in.” This aspiration differs for the new generation of Indian cricketers.
One of Gayakwad’s teammates, 17-year-old Parshavi Chopra from UP Warriorz, is confident and ambitious. She knows her music choices, fitness regimen, and training goals. Parshavi tasted success early, winning the Under-19 World Cup and playing in the Women’s Premier League alongside top players.
Also Read: Babar Azam could perform exceptionally well in the World Cup: Gautam Gambhir
Gayakwad reflects on her own journey, saying, “Things were different when I was 17. Women’s cricket has evolved, and players now focus more on fitness, diet, and training.
The introduction of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) marked a significant leap in Indian cricket. The inaugural season excluded players from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, highlighting a growing gap in Asian cricket.
Also Read: ICC World Cup 2023: Pakistani players did not get Visa for India
Gayakwad shared her learnings from the WPL, admiring the composure of English and Australian players. They stay calm under pressure and play freely when their turn comes. In contrast, Indian players often feel the weight of expectations. She also praised the importance of trust in players, citing an example from a match against Australia. In the world of cricket, the journey to victory is ever-evolving, filled with challenges and aspirations.
(Like our Facebook page for the latest posts and follow us on Twitter.)