India’s women leg-spin all-rounder Devika Vaidya won World The cup in his favor is the ultimate dream for him. Devika returned to T20I cricket during the home series against Australia in December on the back of consistent performances in the domestic circuit.
Devika, currently playing in the T20I tri-series in South Africa, is also in India’s squad for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup to be held from February 10-26. “I guess it’s always been my dream to stand for the national anthem for my country and team, which unfortunately I’ve been missing out on for the past few years.”
“Hence, when I was again selected for the Indian team for the Australia series, I felt like I was in heaven. I want to add one more thing – my ultimate dream is to win the World Cup,” she said on the show ‘Believe in Blue’ on Star Sports.
Read this also | india women vs south africa women 2023 final live Cricket Number
Devika further talked about her journey of improving as a player to make a comeback in the Indian team. “Actually, I was playing consistently well till 2017, but after that, I had a few injuries and illnesses which took my morale down. At that time, it was a very difficult time for me as my mother had passed away and I had no clear goal.”
“I needed clarity, so I worked really hard during the lockdown period to get that as well as asking myself whether I want to play or not. I couldn’t run away from the fact that yes, I want to play India again, and I started working on that thought process. I finally got clarity after that difficult phase.”
Read also: ‘Virat Kohli can try and be a bit more aggressive vs spinner’
Asked how she has adapted to different positions over the years, Devika explained, “Actually, I always batted in the top four order for the Maharashtra cricket team, but after the last two seasons, I realized That if I want to make an international comeback, I need to change my mindset and practice accordingly.”
As a result, in the last two home seasons, I went down the order to bat and adapted very well, like going in to bat in the 13th over and also accelerating the game.
“I worked on a few things with my bowling as well, and like I said, along with some changes in my game and mindset, like batting in challenging conditions, it helped me adapt to different positions throughout the year.”
Devika also shared how her journey to playing cricket began. “I started playing cricket in 2003, but I only played for fun at that time, so I never thought of making it a career.”
“In 2011, I was selected for the 2011-12 U19 Maharashtra Cricket team, and I eventually realized that I would need to take it seriously, so I started practicing cricket regularly.”
“I was in 7th standard at that time, and I knew that if I could continue to practice diligently and focus on my game, I could easily reach India’s level.”
Devika said playing in the second T20I against Australia, where she won the match in the Super Over and India eventually won, was a huge confidence booster and a fond memory for her.
“Yeah, a lot of memories. Actually, the moment I step on the ground, it’s always a good feeling, so no special feeling about it, but the last ball boundary I hit against Australia , That was a great recent memory for me.”
“After that, I got a lot of confidence and support, and it was only possible because of the huge crowd present at the stadium. Ever since I started playing U-19 cricket, I have always tried to lead the team and create more memories. Tried to give my best in every match.”
get the latest cricket news Here
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)