After narrowly missing out on gold at the Commonwealth Games, left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad is optimistic about the Indian women’s cricket team’s prospects at the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. The Indian squad made an impressive debut in women’s cricket at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham last year, reaching the final but losing to Australia. Despite this setback, Gayakwad believes that the team is poised for success on the Asian stage.
Benefitting from their ICC T20I rankings, the ‘Women in Blue’ have secured a direct qualification to the quarterfinals of the Asian Games. The team’s performance on the international circuit, coupled with their preparation and dedication, has bolstered Gayakwad’s confidence in clinching the gold medal. In an exclusive interview with PTI, she expressed her conviction, stating, “Definitely, we will get the gold medal in the Asian Games.”
Reflecting on past encounters with formidable opponents, Gayakwad emphasized the team’s trust in their abilities, saying, “We have played against all major opponents in the past, but not to dwell on that much, we have the trust in our team that we are capable of winning and clinching the gold medal.”
Gayakwad, who was absent during India’s recent tour of Bangladesh due to rehabilitation and rest, clarified that her absence was not due to being dropped from the squad. As the spinner engages in an off-season camp with the Women’s Premier League side UP Warriorz in Bengaluru, she highlighted the significance of these training sessions in honing specific skills and focusing on the overall improvement of the team’s game.
Regarding the Women’s Premier League, Gayakwad emphasized its impact on Indian cricket, stating that it challenges players to elevate their commitment and dedication to the sport. With the anticipation of more match opportunities in the forthcoming editions of the league, she believes that the increased game time will contribute to the growth and enhancement of women’s cricket in India.
Drawing inspiration from overseas players, Gayakwad underlined the value of learning from their approaches and mental preparation before matches. Despite her impressive record as India’s fourth-highest wicket-taker in ODI cricket, with 99 wickets, she remains grounded and focused on taking each match as it comes.
In the backdrop of her optimism and determination, the Indian women’s cricket team is gearing up for the Asian Games with their sights set on clinching the gold medal. As the Women in Blue continue to strive for excellence, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await their performance on the international stage, making the Asian Games a focal point of excitement and anticipation.
