Rising from the colourful tapestry of Mumbai, Punam Raut has woven her identify into the annals of Indian girls’s cricket. A paragon of perseverance and a beacon of expertise, she has persistently defied expectations, leaving an indelible mark on the game.
Her journey, a testomony to her unwavering dedication, started within the bustling streets of Mumbai, the place her innate ardour for the sport ignited. With every stroke of her bat, she honed her abilities, reworking uncooked potential right into a formidable pressure. Her ascent to the nationwide stage was a fruits of relentless toil and unwavering perception.
A defining second in her profession arrived in 2017 when she, together with the prodigious Deepti Sharma, etched their names within the file books by forging a world-record opening partnership. This epochal feat not solely showcased Raut’s batting prowess but additionally underscored her potential to assemble formidable innings below probably the most exacting circumstances.
Regardless of dealing with intermittent challenges, together with inconsistent choice and restricted alternatives, Raut’s indomitable spirit has remained steadfast. Her versatility extends past batting, as she has additionally distinguished herself as a dexterous wicket-keeper, contributing considerably to the crew’s success. Furthermore, her management qualities have shone by, making her a invaluable asset each on and off the sector.
As she continues to encourage younger girls to chase their goals, Punam’s legacy as one in every of India’s most achieved girls cricketers is safe. Her journey serves as a poignant reminder that with unwavering dedication and an unwavering perception in a single’s talents, even probably the most formidable challenges may be surmounted.
Listed below are some highlights from the interview:
Q. How did your love for cricket start, and what sparked your ardour for the game?
Punam: My childhood reminiscences and my family ambiance was filled with cricket, and at the moment Indian Cricket crew was filled with stalwarts like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sourav Ganguly. It was enjoyable to observe all of them representing India, particularly extra enjoyable in India-Pakistan matches. I simply began taking part in with my brother in gully cricket and located the factor fairly intriguing as nicely, as a result of I used to be having fun with how ball was getting linked to my bat.
However I bear in mind this present day, once I noticed two boys of my age going to the bottom in cricket whites to observe, I advised my father about it and tried to persuade everybody within the household that I wish to play this sport in the summertime camp. My father did assist my curiosity and from there on, my journey as a participant began. I met many individuals throughout my journey one identify which made a huge impact was my one of many first coaches Sanjay Gaitonde, he noticed me throughout a match the place his crew was taking part in and advised me to pad up and exit to bat. I used to be type of shocked {that a} match is just not one thing the place you see a beginner’s functionality however it was on the finish a observe match and I additionally carried out nicely and bought skilled below him for years to return.
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Q. How did it really feel to set the world file WODI partnership with Deepti Sharma?
Punam: Truly, I by no means considered making a file and we had been there making ready for the World Cup whereas taking part in a quadrangular sequence, I knew that I’d be opening due to the function given to me, and Deepti too was adamant to have a stick and open with me in that match. We each, I really feel had been focusing extra within the course of, learn how to plan our innings and as we bought into the rhythm of connecting the ball, Deepti who was extra of a junior was simply beginning her profession, so there was a little bit of understanding and camaraderie that adopted.
We each felt particular, I used to be undecided however I felt it was a world file once we crossed 300 however once we got here out it certainly was a world file.
Q. How did you deal with the 2017 Ladies’s ODI World Cup ultimate loss mentally?
Punam: It was after all a giant match and shedding a match in that vogue, coming too near carry the title and never in a position to end it off was one thing very denting for us. Successful a World Cup was a dream and taking part in within the ultimate after such a very long time was one thing particular and we tried our hearts out however nonetheless misplaced so shut by a meagre 9 runs distinction. Dressing room was type of shattered and all people was in tears, crying, and see profitable and shedding is just not in our arms however I can say it was my life’s saddest second.
I bear in mind there was a 1 day keep in Lonon the place Jhulan Goswami was with me, she mentioned that “We don’t know what we misplaced proper now, however if you and I or each member of this crew can be alone of their room all of us will apparently take into consideration this sport and can overthink about what we did improper.” And he or she was completely proper about it.
Q. How was it sharing dressing room with Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami?
Punam: They had been seniors to us however had been too approachable, enjoyable and jolly, each had been calm headed and by no means pressurised us for doing one thing that we didn’t need. Being a senior member of the crew isn’t straightforward however they each had been all the time supportive, useful to kids and individuals who guided us kids on our strategy in direction of an issue.
In truth, I really feel very fortunate to have performed with them, as they each had been one thing that impressed me, once I aspired to be a cricketer from childhood, watching them on tv taking part in cricket at a younger age. It was a dream come true, taking part in with them and sharing the dressing room with them.
Q. Do you might have a favorite crew to play towards and why?
Punam: I’ve two groups truly one is Australia and the opposite one is England, I believe these two groups have a fairly exceptional bowling assault which I like to face. We are able to see within the World Cup too, I batted nice towards England and I’ve a century too towards Australia. If we want one crew to be picked for positive then it will be Australia.
Watch the total interview:
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This text was first revealed at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Occasions firm.
