Shweta Sehrawat Aims for National Team Spot
Young cricketer Shweta Sehrawat shared her aspirations to break into the national team by delivering strong performances on the domestic circuit. The 20-year-old currently plays for the UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) under the mentorship of Australian superstar Alyssa Healy. With the upcoming U19 Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled for January in Malaysia, Sehrawat is keen to solidify her reputation and climb the ranks in women’s cricket.
Strong Start and Rising Talent
Sehrawat’s journey began after she excelled at the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa, where she amassed 297 runs at an impressive average of 99, finishing as the tournament’s top run-scorer. This achievement marked the beginning of her professional career and brought her to the attention of selectors. The UP Warriorz then secured her services for a substantial ₹40 lakh, providing her with a significant platform to showcase her talent alongside experienced players like Healy.
Supportive Leadership Under Alyssa Healy
Playing under Alyssa Healy has been a transformative experience for Sehrawat. She praised Healy’s approachable and supportive nature, stating that she never felt any pressure while representing the Warriorz. “She is very supportive on the ground and approachable whenever we want to have an interaction,” Sehrawat remarked, highlighting the positive environment within the team. This support has helped the young cricketer settle into her role with confidence.
Learning from Experience
Reflecting on her initial struggles in the WPL, where she managed only 34 runs at an average of 6.80, Sehrawat noted the differences in her performance during the subsequent season. In her second season, she demonstrated significant improvement, top-scoring with 45 runs off 42 balls against Meg Lanning’s Delhi Capitals. “I was short of experience in the first season, but had a better experience in the second season and learned a lot,” she said, emphasizing the importance of learning and adaptation in her journey.
Gaining Insights from Australian Stars
Sehrawat’s growth has also been enriched by interactions with Australian cricketing powerhouses such as Grace Harris and Tahlia McGrath. She shared her enthusiasm for discussing batting techniques with them, which has contributed to her development as a player. “I have talked to Grace Harris a lot about batting… I also spoke to Tahlia McGrath about batting, and she explained a lot of points,” she explained, showcasing her eagerness to learn from the best in the game.
Overcoming Challenges on the Australia Tour
During a challenging tour to Australia, Sehrawat faced difficulties adjusting to the new conditions. She scored a modest 38 runs in the T20 series and struggled in the ODIs with scores of 1, 11, and 0. Nevertheless, she showed resilience, making a patient 40 in the unofficial Test. “The first challenge is food. Match conditions were different there as the pitches and outfields were different,” she stated, illustrating the hurdles she had to overcome in her quest for improvement.
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Hopeful for a National Team Call-Up
Despite the challenges, Sehrawat remains optimistic about her future with the national team, particularly with the ODI World Cup approaching next year in India. “I am trying to give my best in domestic cricket, perform well there, and make my place in the national team,” she affirmed. Her dedication and determination to succeed continue to fuel her ambitions as she strives to leave a mark in Indian cricket.
Excitement Over BCCI Initiatives
Sehrawat also expressed her delight over the BCCI’s decision to introduce prize money for Player of the Match and Tournament award winners in women’s competitions. I thought that was a very wise move. We were very happy on getting the news,” she said, recognizing the positive impact this initiative can have on women’s cricket in India.
Looking Ahead
With a packed domestic season on the horizon, Sehrawat has a prime opportunity to elevate her game and attract the attention of selectors. As she prepares for the challenges ahead, the focus remains on translating her promise and potential into consistent performances on the field. Whether the UP Warriorz retain her for the upcoming WPL season will be another factor to consider, but for now, Sehrawat is determined to make her mark.
