New Delhi: Rising Indian pacer Vaishnavi Sharma, who emerged as the leading wicket-taker and claimed a hat-trick during India’s triumphant U19 Women’s T20 World Cup campaign, says women’s cricket in India is undergoing rapid development and gaining widespread recognition—especially in a year highlighted by India’s ICC Men’s ODI World Cup victory on November 2.
“There is a lot of development, and people are recognising it,” Vaishnavi told IANS during an event organised by OneDice on Thursday. “Earlier, only half the supporters talked about women’s cricket; now, it feels like everyone knows about it. There is equality, and with more wins, there will be even greater progress. This has been the best year for the women’s team as well.”
For Vaishnavi, representing India in Malaysia was the fulfilment of a lifelong dream. “When the wickets came, I was very happy that I played for my country and we won. It’s a different emotion altogether. I was nervous going for the hat-trick but confident I could do it.”
Her debut World Cup appearance was marked by calm preparation and a mature mindset. “Before the match, I told myself that even if things don’t go well, it’s okay—I will enjoy the opportunity. I visualised getting wickets, and when it happened, it felt like my hard work paid off.”
Strong team unity, she said, played a major role in India’s success. “We had a family-like bonding among the 15 players. When anyone took a wicket, we celebrated equally. There was no jealousy.”
The support staff also helped players handle pressure. “The coaches always reminded us not to take unnecessary load. Nooshin ma’am, Rajib sir and Apurva sir supported us a lot. They told us that we are here because of our best efforts.”
On maintaining her performance—she topped the wickets chart in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy and took 12 wickets in the recent zonal competition—Vaishnavi credited discipline. “Celebrate for one day only. From the next day, start from zero. Every day is new.”
With the WPL 2026 mega auction approaching on November 27, she remains grounded. “My expectations are zero. If something happens, good. If not, that’s okay. Let’s see what the future brings.”
Vaishnavi spoke fondly of senior all-rounder Sneh Rana, who has become a mentor figure. “Sneh di inspires me a lot. She has guided me with bowling tips and motivated me by saying, ‘It’s your day, you can take wickets.’ Meeting her now makes me very happy.”
Her parents also shared insights into Vaishnavi’s journey. Her mother, Ashalata, recalled early signs of her talent. “She was always active in sports. Her father also saw potential in her horoscope. She didn’t enjoy studying and loved cricket from the start.”
Ashalata said supporting her through tough phases was emotional. “Even when she was nervous, I encouraged her. When she won the U19 World Cup, I shed tears of joy. Girls are God’s blessing, and families should feel proud, not worried.”
Her father, Narendra, a professor of astrology, recounted Vaishnavi’s beginnings at age four. “She played under-16 at 11. We struggled a lot, but the dream kept us going. When she didn’t play the first World Cup match, I told her her time would come. She got a chance, took a hat-trick and stayed in the team.”
He also encouraged other families to support daughters with clear goals. “If they want to play sport, set the aim and support them fully. They will succeed.”
