advertisement
Embarking on a childhood journey of sports and physical activity may seem ordinary, but for Keerthana Balakrishnan, a cricketer hailing from Tamil Nadu, what began as a simple quest to shed weight unfolded into a miraculous transformation. Little did she anticipate that her early affinity for the sports field would evolve into a story where cricket gear would become the canvas for her dreams.
“I was 10 years old when I started my cricketing journey. I was going to the ground to shed some weight and then cricket happened. My cousin used to play cricket. When he would go to the ground, my father would take me along to perform some physical activities. He would make me run and do other stuff. One day, very randomly, when my brother was playing, my father said why don't you play cricket too. It started from there,” Keerthana told The Quint.
“I wanted more Tamil Nadu players to represent the state in the WPL but since I'm the first player to be playing in the league, I hope this inspires youngsters to come up and give them the opportunity that they could knock the doors of the next level. I really wish this happens,” she said on becoming the pioneering player from her state to be playing in the WPL.
Basking in the glory of aligning with the reigning champions, Keerthana shared her insights on the positive atmosphere within the camp that fuels her drive to excel and nurtures her passion for the game.
“Just one word - positive. No matter what, however things go, the environment in the camp is absolutely positive. There's so much aggression and passion for the game,” she said.
Reflecting back on her early cricketing days, the leggie who has represented Tamil Nadu Women, India Women's Green team, South Zone Women spoke about the pivotal role her coaches played in refining her game and honing her skills.
“Post Covid, I moved to TS Mukund sir. He worked a lot on my variations; made me realise what are the important aspects which are needed to go to the next level. We worked so hard on it. So, Mukund sir along with Nirmal Kumar worked on my leg-spin skills,” she added.
As instrumental as her coaches have been in shaping her career, Keerthana acknowledges that her cricketing path would be incomplete without the unwavering support of her father - Balakrishnan, the owner of a travel company, emerged as a pillar of strength, provided invaluable assistance and encouragement, anchoring her journey through its highs and lows.
“My mother has been equally supportive, she's a housewife and she used to take care of everything that she could - my diet, my sleep schedule and everything. Both my parents are very supportive,” she added.
Excited about her stint with the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Mumbai Indians, Keerthana spoke about the role the management has in mind for her. “The coaches brief me. I am more of a bowling all-rounder so the role that I can play in the team when I get a chance is to be a bowler who can pick wickets,” she said.
With aspirations set high, the leg-spinner envisions earning a coveted spot in the playing XI for her team and when that moment arrives, her sights are locked on scalping the wickets of Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Ellyse Perry and Gujarat Giants’ Phoebe Litchfield.
Keerthana also dreams of donning the coveted purple cap in the league, yet she remains grounded, recognising that her paramount target is to significantly contribute to her team's quest for championship glory.
“It's a dream to get the purple cap but ultimately I'd like our team to win the tournament and contribute to the side's success. This would be my ultimate goal,” she said.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)