Vaishnavi eyes long-term role after impressive international debut

India youngster Vaishnavi Sharma is keen to build on an encouraging start to her international career and is targeting a long-term role in the national side’s white-ball plans.

Vaishnavi made her international debut against Sri Lanka in Vizag on Sunday, with the left-arm spinner delivering a tidy performance in India’s comprehensive eight-wicket win. She returned figures of four economical overs and played her part in keeping the Sri Lankan batters in check during the series opener.

Advertisement

Although she did not claim a wicket on debut, Vaishnavi impressed with her control and discipline, conceding no boundaries against a potent Sri Lanka batting line-up. She appeared composed and confident at the highest level, settling seamlessly into the contest at the Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium.

Speaking to the media after the match, Vaishnavi admitted to feeling nervous ahead of the game but said those emotions eased once proceedings got underway. “I was nervous before the national anthem. After that, I calmed down,” Vaishnavi said.

“I am very happy that I was able to execute my plan. There are four more matches to go (in the series).”

Vaishnavi earned her maiden senior international call-up following a string of standout performances at the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup earlier this year. The 20-year-old finished the tournament as the leading wicket-taker, picking up 17 wickets at an outstanding average of 4.35, performances that firmly put her on the selectors’ radar.

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur had spoken in the lead-up to the series about the importance of giving opportunities to young players, especially with the next ICC Women’s T20 World Cup less than six months away. Vaishnavi, for her part, is determined to make the most of the chance and hopes to turn her dream of representing India into a lasting reality.

“We have worked hard for this. Our dream is to represent India and contribute,” Vaishnavi added.

“I can’t say much about the future. Let’s leave it to God.”

After Sunday’s first T20I in Visakhapatnam, the two teams will face off in the second T20I at the same venue on Tuesday, followed by the next three T20Is on December 26, December 28 and December 30 in Thiruvananthapuram.