Nandini Kashyap’s meteoric rise in Indian cricket has been nothing short of a fairy tale, proving that dreams can indeed transcend the boundaries of textbooks. The 21-year-old batter from Uttarakhand had a phenomenal end to 2024, emerging as one of the brightest prospects in women’s cricket.
Her journey began with an impressive performance in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, where she amassed 247 runs in nine games at an average of 41.17, highlighted by a scintillating 117 against Pondicherry. This was followed by an extraordinary outing in the Senior Women’s T20 Challenger Trophy, where Nandini became the leading run-scorer with 332 runs in five matches, averaging 83 with a strike rate of 137.19. Her consistent performances played a pivotal role in taking Team E to the final, including a crucial 56-run knock against Team A.
December brought further recognition for Nandini, as she was signed by the Delhi Capitals in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) for her base price of ₹10 lakh. Despite the modest price tag, her potential did not go unnoticed, with Sourav Ganguly, the Director of Cricket at DC, expressing surprise at the bargain. Additionally, she earned her maiden call-up to the Indian team for the T20I series against the West Indies, marking a significant milestone in her budding career. While she didn’t debut, the opportunity to train alongside stalwarts like Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Jemimah Rodrigues was invaluable.
Off the field, Nandini’s passion for the game and her commitment to improvement shine through. She credits her success to rigorous off-season training and a focus on technical aspects. Her family, coach, and peers were elated at her WPL selection, which she learned about while with the Indian team, further highlighting her promising future.
Nandini draws inspiration from Sarah Taylor, whom she regards as the greatest wicketkeeper of all time. Her interaction with cricket legends like VVS Laxman and Virat Kohli has also been instrumental. Laxman, during his stint at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), emphasized the importance of mental strength and consistency, advice that resonates deeply with Nandini’s approach to the game.
Standing for the national anthem during her call-up remains one of her most cherished moments, symbolizing the fulfillment of a long-held dream. As women’s cricket continues to grow, Nandini Kashyap exemplifies the dedication and resilience required to seize opportunities and make a mark on the global stage. Her story is a testament to hard work and belief, setting the stage for what promises to be an illustrious career.
