Pune: A group of schoolchildren faced challenges in initiating a chant that included the name of Shrivalli Bhamadipaty. It took them some time to synchronize "Shrivalli" with the rhythm of the cheers typically heard on the cricket field. However, on the central court of the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune, the 23-year-old Shrivalli was performing exceptionally well.

The day following India's defeat in their opening match of the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group 1 against New Zealand, the team faced a formidable Thai squad that featured two singles players ranked within the top 200.

Shrivalli was assigned to compete against world No. 170 Lanlana Tararudee, while she herself held a ranking of No. 345. The player from Hyderabad delivered an impressive performance, securing a 6-2, 6-4 victory in just 75 minutes, thereby giving India an early advantage in the tie.

Thailand's top player, Manachaya Sawangkaew, ranked 110, equalized the match after Sahaja Yamalapalli had to retire from the second singles match due to cramping. Nevertheless, Ankita Raina and Prarthana Thombare clinched a decisive 7-6(3), 3-6, 10-3 victory over Peangtarn Plipuech and Patcharin Cheapchandej in the final doubles match, ensuring the tie was won by India.

This victory was significant for the Indian team, which aspires to reach the playoffs for only the second time. Shrivalli, at 23, set a positive tone for the hosts with her bold and aggressive style of play.

"She provided us with the start we needed after last night," remarked India captain Vishal Uppal, referring to the previous day's 1-2 loss to New Zealand.

Shrivalli is known for her powerful shots on both sides and a reliable serve, but on this occasion, she was also supported by a composed mindset.

"I felt no nerves at all," she shared with HT. "I didn’t pay attention to the rankings; I just focused on playing my game. I’m not quite sure how it happened, but I was completely in the zone when I stepped onto the court."

Throughout the match, she managed to break her higher-ranked opponent's serve four times, while her own serve was broken only once. When Tararudee did achieve a break, she took a 4-2 lead in the second set and appeared poised

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