Nandni Sharma from Chandigarh has also managed to secure a place in Team India selected for the Women’s T20 World Cup starting from 12 June. She has been included in the 15-member team as a fast bowler. She has been selected for a major tournament like the World Cup directly without any international match experience.
However, she has played in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and has also taken a hat-trick. Regarding her selection in the team, Nandni said – ‘I’m feeling very good. I cannot express this feeling in words. Along with being excited, I am also nervous. It’s a mixed feeling.’
In conversation with Dainik Bhaskar, Nandni revealed that she considers Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and South African all-rounder Marizanne Kapp as her idols. Her dream is to bring the cup for India and maintain her place in the team.
Now read the conversation with Nandini Sharma
Question: Where and when did you start your career in cricket? Answer: When I was 8-9 years old, I started playing cricket. There was an LIC Academy in Sector-26. Rajesh Pathak was my coach at that time. He taught me the nuances of cricket.
Question: How is your family feeling about your selection? Answer: The family is very happy. I mean, seeing parents so happy is a very big thing for their child. I am excited. If they are happy, then I am also happy. They are feeling proud of me.
Question: Who do you consider your role model in cricket? Answer: I really like the bowling of Indian player Jasprit Bumrah in men’s cricket. If we talk about women’s cricket, I am impressed by South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp. I consider both of them as my role models. I also admire them.
Nandini considers Jasprit Bumrah and Marizanne Kapp as her idols. – File Photo
Question: Where did you start your studies and cricket? Answer: I completed my studies at Sacred Heart School Chandigarh. I learned the nuances of cricket there itself. I used to play cricket in school too. In the evening I would go to the academy and from there to tuition. It is a bit difficult to maintain balance in everything. But fortunately, I passed all with good marks. My graduation is also complete.
Question: What do your family members do? Answer: My father runs a spare parts shop in the industrial area. Along with that, he also teaches me cricket. My mother is a housewife.
Question: Whose role do you consider important in your journey? Answer: Everyone’s role has been important in my life. I have learned something from everything. Whether it was good or bad. That’s why I have reached this position today. Now the effort is to keep playing well and remain in the team. To play an important role in bringing the cup for the team.
Question: You got a place in the team in place of Zirakpur player Kashvi. What would you say about that? Answer: Kashvi is a very good player. She has many records to her name. I wish that both of us play together. We also play in the same team.
Question: You had an injury. Have you recovered from it now? Answer: It was my India-A debut match in Thailand. While taking a catch, my hand got cut. That was a heartbreaking moment for me. I had missed two domestic tournaments. Now having my name directly in the World Cup is a very different feeling. At that time, family and friends had motivated me.
