PANAJI: An engineer by degree, an Indian Air Force officer by profession, and a cricketer by choice -- that in a nutshell is Shikha Pandey, Goas first woman cricketer to have donned the India colours. The 24-year-old, whose first national break came against Bangladesh last month, has of late been in the T20 groove, representing India in the World T20 international and leading the Tiswadi Angels in the just concluded Goa Womens Premier League. But ask her if she is someone who looks forward to the IPL, she will reply, I still remember I used to get up at 4.30am in the morning to watch the Ashes. I hardly watch IPL, especially because Sachin (Tendulkar) is not around, said the native of Uttar Pradesh, who was born in Andhra Pradesh and has been living in Goa for the past 17 years. The quote itself establishes Pandeys admiration for the Little Master. She, of course, has never met him but expects the Air Force link would someday do wonders. I have met almost all the India players except him. He is a group captain with Indian Air Force and I am working with them as well as playing cricket for India. Hope in some function I get a chance to meet him, said Pandey, who is also an avid reader and holds Glenn McGraths autobiography Line and Length in high esteem. The Verem girl idolizes the Mumbai maestro for his batting skills but being a bowling all-rounder, her inspiration lies in former South Africa speedster Shaun Pollock. Pollock has had a big influence on me because he was also a bowling all-rounder. I also look up to Javagal Srinath, who has perhaps been the best inswinger India has ever produced, she pointed. Pandey, who credits her father, GCA and Services Sports Control Board for her success, has her sights set on cementing the India berth. Her biggest dream is to represent the nation in Test cricket. The Indian team hasnt played Test cricket in eight years. But in August, we visit England to play a four-day Test and three ODIs. I just hope I get selected, said the middle-order batter. She is someone who dons the India jersey and switches to the Air Force uni-form to pay them dividends for allowing her to play. The journey under Mithali Raj and Co. has just begun; and one can expect the success curve to be only on the rise, knowing the flair she has for cricket.
Posted on: Sun, 04 May 2014 15:38:17 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015