LUCKNOW: From engaging in gully cricket on the streets of Chandigarh to now bowling for the Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), young pacer Kashvee Gautam is making significant strides toward her aspiration of representing her country. She views the WPL as a platform that allows cricketers like herself to pursue their ambitions.

At just 21 years old, she is diligently enhancing her speed and precision, accepting that bowlers often concede runs in white-ball cricket. “I take pleasure in bowling with both speed and accuracy, and I am pleased to contribute to the team's success,” Gautam remarked on Wednesday.

She indicated that her immediate focus is not on securing a place in the Indian team for the ODI World Cup later this year. Instead, she is concentrating on her performance and her team's success in the WPL. “I am not looking too far ahead. I am taking it match by match. My next challenge is against the Delhi Capitals, followed by a match against the Mumbai Indians,” she stated.

“I must perform well in the upcoming game. I have strategies for the batters in each match. If I excel, opportunities will arise… I aim to succeed in all the tournaments I participate in.”

Gautam has claimed nine wickets in six matches during this WPL season, including an impressive 3/11 against the UP Warriorz. She has also adopted Shubman Gill’s signature celebratory bow. “I appreciate that celebration. I admire Shubman Gill’s batting style, as he is also from Chandigarh.”

After missing the previous WPL season due to a foot injury, she is relishing her first season with the Gujarat Giants, who currently hold the second position in the points table.

My season is advancing remarkably well. The preparations I engaged in during the off-season are yielding positive results. Last year, while I was unable to participate, I observed intently. During practice sessions, I recognized what I was lacking and what I could integrate into my game. After regaining my fitness, I shared these insights with my coach, who offered valuable advice on incorporating variations, she articulated.

Reflecting on her six-month hiatus from cricket prior to this WPL season due to injury, Gautam remarked, “It was quite challenging, but it was essential to experience that phase. I gained significant insights into mental health and focused on it. During my time away from cricket, I would meet with friends. When that was not possible, I began to face mental health challenges. I felt isolated and disliked being at home. Currently, I am collaborating with a wellness coach.

“My coach, Nagesh, was instrumental during this time… He even encouraged me to watch some matches to glean knowledge from them. As I commenced my rehabilitation, I sensed that I was regaining my footing,” Gautam, who represented India A in the Emerging Asia Cup, stated.

“Everyone is approaching the game with a similar level of intent. I believe this is a result of the WPL. Numerous players have made their India debuts due to the WPL. There is a great deal of optimism surrounding it. Performing well in the WPL against elite athletes opens the door to representing India.”

Gautam expressed that pace bowling has always been her passion. “I have been interested in bowling from the very beginning. There was a boy in my neighborhood who excelled at fast bowling, so I asked him to teach me. He advised me to take long strides while running. That sparked my interest in pace bowling.”

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