Minnu Mani, the trailblazing off-spinner and the first woman international cricketer hailing from Kerala, believes that her India debut has ignited inspiration among young girls in her state, with the hope that more aspiring cricketers will follow in her footsteps.
Speaking at an off-season camp organized by the Delhi Capitals men’s and women’s teams in the Delhi NCR region, Mani interacted with budding cricketers and shared her experiences.
The camp, conducted under the supervision of Sourav Ganguly, the franchise’s Director of Cricket, included nine players from each of the Delhi Capitals men’s and women’s teams.
Reflecting on her journey, Minnu Mani shared her emotions leading up to her India debut against Bangladesh in July. “I never anticipated that I would play in all the matches of the T20I series. It was surreal to believe that I was part of the playing eleven for the series opener. The excitement of the opportunity and the honor of receiving my India cap from Smriti Mandhana were overwhelming,” she recalled.
Recalling her debut, Mani mentioned, “Initially, I was a bit nervous while bowling. I conceded a six and a four. However, Harmanpreet shared some insights with me, which eased my nerves. After those initial hits, I felt more settled on the field.”
As the first woman cricketer from Kerala to play for India, Mani emphasized that her debut has already begun inspiring girls in her home state. She remarked, “My India debut is bound to inspire numerous girls in Kerala. My dream of being the first woman from Kerala to represent India has come true, and I hope it sets a positive example for others.”
Mani’s journey to the Indian team was not without its challenges. She shared, “I balanced cricket practice and studies at the Kerala Cricket Association’s Cricket Academy from 9th grade until my graduation. However, after completing my studies, commuting to my training ground became more demanding. I was traveling three hours a day, and my family faced difficulties in managing my travel requirements. Nonetheless, the dedication and hard work have paid off.”
Following her India debut, Mani received a special tribute from her hometown, Wayanad. The town’s main junction has been named “Minnu Mani Junction” in recognition of her accomplishments. Mani expressed her pride in this gesture, saying, “Whenever I used to pass the main junction during my practice days, little did I know that one day it would bear my name. I am immensely proud and honored by the Minnu Mani Junction.”
With her inspiring journey and accomplishments, Minnu Mani is not only leaving her mark on the cricket field but also empowering young girls to pursue their cricket dreams in Kerala and beyond.
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