New Delhi, Feb 14 (IANS): December 15, 2024, is a day that will forever be etched in young Nandini Kashyap’s memory. It was a joy where double the joy found Nandini’s way - Delhi Capitals signing her at the Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction for INR 10 lakh, and then being a part of the India squad for the first time via T20Is against the West Indies in Navi Mumbai.
“In Uttarakhand, skill-wise, everyone is very good. But the lack of a platform was always there. Now that a platform is there, they all are exploring it. They are doing good, and have the experience to play big league games. Everyone in the Uttarakhand team is a big-match player. The need for confidence is always there. It’s not like that was lacking before, they always do it. But, this year, the performances have got a bigger visibility.”
In addition to Negi, Nandini acknowledges the significant role Uttarakhand’s head coach, Anagha Deshpande, played in improving both her own and the team’s performance.
“The hand behind Uttarakhand’s success is totally hers. She has been with us from the beginning. She knows everything about every player – including strategy, and planning wise.”
“She has changed our mindset, which is very important. Because of her, everyone’s mindset has changed and now, everyone wants to win. We don’t see who our opponent in a match is. We just go, play our cricket and express ourselves,” she added.
Nandini’s consistency wasn’t confined to T20 cricket alone. She amassed 550 runs in the Senior Women’s One Day trophy, achieving an average of 55 and a strike rate of 81.48. In the Senior Women’s One Day Challenger Trophy, Nandini amassed 202 runs in four games at an average of 50.5 and a strike rate of 84.16 for Team E.
With Meg and Shafali Verma opening for DC, Nandini’s key challenge will be rising to the occasion in the WPL and settling into a middle-order batting role. Furthermore, she faces competition from Taniya Bhatia and Scotland’s Sarah Bryce for the keeper’s slot in DC’s playing eleven.
But don’t be surprised if Nandini, the diminutive but highly effective wicketkeeper-opener, who easily handles both spin and pace as well as finds gaps, rises to the challenge. With her strong trophy-winning attitude, Nandini could very well help DC secure their maiden WPL title, making for another unforgettable day in her life.
“Winning a trophy for sure is something which brings me great joy in cricket, as this is always my ultimate goal. Whenever I perform for my team, if I win a trophy, my day will be good. I wish we win a trophy for DC finally,” she signed off.