CHENNAI: On a lazy Sunday afternoon, a bunch of girls roll their arms over, swing their bats and dive on the green turf. There is plenty of noise from the fielding side, as they look to push each other and raise the intensity level.
There might be no audience, but that isn't stopping them from playing tough cricket.
For a layman, it might just seem like these girls are having a field day. But, for the players in the middle, it's a high-stakes match, with the Kerala batswomen trying to overcome Gujarat's total in the Senior Women's One-Day League.
Chasing a paltry 55, Kerala snailed to the mark in just over half their quota of overs. It was prudent batting. No flashy shots. No improvisation. Aware that they had to win to ensure a berth in quarters, they opted for the safe route.
Under the watchful eyes of coach Robin Menon, these girls have eked out four wins in five matches to finish as toppers in Plate Group A.
“I'm thrilled by their performance. We put on a positive brand of cricket,” he said.
“With limited resources, these naturally-talented girls have done exceptionally well.”
Comprising of six first-timers, Kerala don't boast of big names, but they have team spirit in abundance. As soon as they hit the winning runs, the players assembled together in a huddle and congratulated each other, exchanging smiles all around.
“We don't have big names. A lot of other teams have players who represent the country,” skipper Asha S remarked. “But, we believed in ourselves. We didn't let that fact bother us. We played as a unit.”
The allrounder, who scalped two wickets on the day, is employed with the Railways and based in Hyderabad. The Trivandum girl has been playing the sport for over a decade. She is delighted that the standard of the sport has risen in the last few years.
“When I started, it was difficult. We used to be easy meat. All the teams who would face us would beat us comprehensively. Now, it is a different story.”
Backed by the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA), coaches and their families, the girls have penned a new chapter in their course. “I come from a middle-class family. It was difficult to ask my parents to buy me kits, et al. But, KCA's been kind enough to assist us in that regard,” the 25-year-old — also an MS Dhoni admirer — said.
With a fifer (5/10) and an unbeaten 31, it was opener and vice-captain Shani T who stole the show. Like the Kerala skipper, the off-spinner has been playing for the state for over a decade and is also employed by the Railways. Love for the game and her never-give-up attitude has brought the Rahul Dravid fan success.
“After six trials, I managed to get the Railways offer. I used to practice with boys during my budding days. That helped me improve a great deal,” the Kozhikode girl revealed.
Playing in Railways has its perks. Besides monetary gains, the duo also get to interact and practice with
India veteran Mithali Raj. “I just love to see her bat. Her technique is remarkable. We get to learn a lot,” Shani said.
Both have learnt to lead the way. “We have plenty of youngsters. So, it is important for senior players like us to guide them. If we are chasing, we ensure that the seniors stick around and complete it, instead of handing over the pressure to a rookie,” Asha stated.
The girls will now look to keep up their team spirit ahead of their semifinals to be held in Baroda on November 17.