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Women’s cricket in Pune is evolving every day, says Tejal Hasabnis
The graph of women’s cricket is moving in an upward direction. Earlier, pace of the game was slow, but now it has gained speed with each team having their own power hitters
From playing cricket with boys in residential societies to representing India A-team, Tejal Hasabnis, has turned the sport into a serious career option for her. Playing since 2011, Hasabnis is happy with the way cricket is rising aspirations among the women of the country.
Speaking to Jigar Hindocha, Tejal Hasabnis spoke about how many women now view, cricket as a serious career option.
What changes do you see in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) women’s calendar of 2019-2020?
The number of matches will be going up from 400 to 2,000+ this season. We will be getting more matches in under-19, under-23 and seniors team. For example, if a player is playing in all the categories and if the respective team is qualifying for the final, then, the player might end up playing 40 matches in a year. This was not the case earlier.
How has BCCI helped women’s cricket grow?
BCCI is doing a great job. The graph of women’s cricket is only moving in an upward direction. With the number of matches increasing, it will be an opportunity for players to keep on improving their game. The number of teams will also be increased in the women’s T20 challenge from next year, which is a good sign.
How many local tournaments are held for women in the state?
Six to seven quality tournaments are organised which are conducted across Maharashtra. Along with it, few smaller tournaments keep on happening. The number is small, but compared to earlier times, it has grown.
How has playing the challenger trophy helped you grow as a player?
Playing the challenger trophy gives you the feeling that you are just two steps away from the Indian team selection. It helps you a lot. Playing with different state players gives you exposure and you learn a lot from it. It’s not like we only look at the opposition team as an opponent, but we keep on learning from each other.
Do you think the playing style of women players has changed these days?
Yes, absolutely. Today we have power hitters present in each team and the scoring range has also gone up. Earlier 120 or 130 runs on board used to be termed as a good score, but now it has gone above 140. Earlier, pace of the game was slow, but now it has gained speed and is evolving every day.
Is there healthy competition in the teams?
Earlier, if the team has a state player, then, they used to fear her or only focus on her, but now the approach is changing and we have a healthy competition. Players are playing fearless cricket and if they see a state player playing in the opponent team, then, all of them get charged up and wish to take her wicket.
‘A mentally strong person makes a good player on the field’
Mohan Jadhav and Bhushan Suryavanshi, coaches at the Varroc Vengsarkar Cricket Academy, Thergaon, feels that improving a girl’s mental strength is the key to making them good players. Jadhav and Suryavanshi share their thoughts and speak to Jigar Hindocha.
What is the most important aspect while coaching a women’s team?
On the first day of coaching, what we focus on is discussing the aspects of cricket. Discussing various match situations improves the mental strength of players. It’s an important point since many players come with a fixed mindset that they are not physically strong and as a coach, we need to work on it. Making them mentally strong improves their physical performances.
What’s the advice you give to your team?
I always tell them to observe national games. If they get a chance to play with senior players, then, they should learn during the game. Analysis of all games is a must.
How have girls from Varroc Academy performed in the recent tournaments?
Since we have started a separate girls batch, the results have been good. Even in the, all India Abeda Inamdar invitational women’s cricket tournament, girls have really done well, but few mistakes cost us a place in the finals. Recently, our girls won the Sonia Gandhi Chasak championship in Baramati.
What about the talent coming from the city?
In the last couple of years it has improved a lot. Many girls are playing cricket these days from our academy where we train 20 girls in a separate batch. Six players from our academy have also represented Maharashtra. There are many academies in Pune, where girls and boys are trained together.
What’s your view on the rise in the number of women players?
After the Indian team’s good performance in the last women’s ODI and T20 World Cup, interest in women’s cricket has increased. More parents are keen on sending their girls to play cricket. The scenario was not the same a few years ago.
Women tournaments played in city
Number of players: 100 -125
Number of academies: 10
Under-19 Women’s Varroc Cup
Time: January
Venue: Varroc Vengsarkar Cricket Academy, Thergaon, Pimpri-Chinchwad
All India Abeda Inamdar Invitational Women’s cricket tournament
Time: May
Venue: Azam campus ground, Camp
The Pune District Cricket Association women’s tournament
Time: Yet to be confirmed
Venue: Yet to be confirmed
Hemant Patil Women’s Premier League
Time: Yet to be confirmed
Venue: Yet to be confirmed
