In this article, we are talking about one of the various players from the Women’s Indian Cricket Team- Devika Vaidya. The world of cricket is the one we all know and love. In these progressing times, the world of women’s cricket is in the limelight. The women of India are leaving no room to make their country proud. With this limelight comes various stories told by multiple women cricketers sharing their early life. How they were struggling, how people didn’t accept the fact that women could play cricket, etc.
Devika Vaidya is an Indian cricketer. She plays for Maharashtra in domestic matches.
Devika Vaidya joined the squad for the South Africa tour of India in 2014 and made Women’s Twenty20 International debut at Bangalore in November 2014. She also received M A Chidambaram Trophy for best woman junior cricketer 2014–15.
In November 2018, she joined India’s squad for the 2018 ICC Women’s World Twenty20 tournament within the West Indies, replacing Pooja Vastrakar, who didn’t get to play due to an injury she learned in Maharashtra Mandal at her child age.
Playing With Guys And Love Towards Fitness.
Devika Vaidya brought fitness into focus during her shift from the domestic to the international realm. Skills without fitness are fruitless in any sport, something the young adult became aware of.
“I love fitness. I like to hit the gym. During my initial years in domestic cricket, I had skills but not the specified fitness levels. so that is what I focused the foremost on.”
Devika Vaidya grew up playing cricket with boys. Constant with her, practicing with boys meant exercising and running as hard as they were.
“I played many matches with boys because being quick on the sector is extremely important at the upper level. Whether you’re batting, bowling, or fielding, running fast may be necessary. So twiddling with boys is a far better match practice, making twiddling with girls easier.”
The 2003 World Cup final connection
It was a sad day for India. Ricky Ponting and Damien Martyn annihilated India. Australia posted 359 for two. India got out for 234.
Like many households in India, the Vaidya family got stuck on the TV that day. It had been the 2003 World Cup final. Although I didn’t understand the technical terms, I enjoyed the atmosphere.
When I recall, I feel they thought it had been a short-lived feeling. All an equivalent, I had found my source of happiness and had started practicing.
Girls playing cricket was a strange sight in Pune. However, support came from where it mattered, and Devika moved on to polish her skills further: “After a particular stage, my game wasn’t improving. I needed some change. So I explored other grounds also. Finally, I found the perfect coach who was a part of my cricketing career for 6-7 years, Atul Gaikwad.”
Debut For India
Playing for her country at a young age, Devika Vaidya attracted the eye of many. Devika Vaidya shift from domestic to international cricket happened in an instant.
After a boosting conversation with Kumble, Devika, in no time, got to share the room with Mithali and Jhulan. She was only 17 when she made her Twenty20 debut against South Africa in November 2014.
Although she didn’t get a chance to bat, she had to bring her bowling skills to the forefront. One must remember here that she had attended no Indian practice camps till then, and neither had she interacted with the squad.
Of course, she was already an under-19 star by then. However, she didn’t let fame bow her down. But then, while she wasn’t struggling, she was undoubtedly in awe of the atmosphere: “Before the domestic senior tournament started, we had this series. I never got the chance to attend one senior camp. So, of course, the atmosphere was very new. This was the sole match in my hand to prove my stance. But I used to be not pressurized. Everything looked new.’
Devika Vaidya conceded 30 runs in only three overs and couldn’t take a wicket. The South Africans were strong. Marizanne Kapp and Dane van Niekerk checked out ease. They didn’t spare Devika Vaidya, and she got thrashed.
International Career
The ODI cap came two years, then forgettable T20 debut against West Indies in November 2016. India had already sealed the series by 2-0 before Devika could come and snatch the sport far away from the West Indies.
When I played against South Africa, I used to be not aware of the atmosphere in the Indian team. As I said, I had not attended any camp till then. However, before the West Indies series, I attended several MCA camps. We wont to be together, and eventually, I got the hang of the atmosphere. I found friends and have become comfortable. It helped me adjust. I used to be waiting to debut for India during the series. Of course, it had been an excellent feeling to receive the cap from Mithali-di, she recalled.
Endnote
Overall, Devika Vaidya is a great player and essential addition to the squad. Her playing style is excellent, and she can perform. With the ongoing ICC World Cup, there are a lot of expectations riding on the team’s members.
Furthermore, with this formidable squad, the Indian team is expected to win and get the trophy home.
