Chandigarh: The city's Nandani Sharma, 24, has earned her maiden call-up to India's squad for the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup in England and Wales, starting June 12. The reality of this achievement has not fully sunk in yet.
Overwhelming Emotions
"I am so excited, it's taking me a while to process it," Nandani says, her voice reflecting incredulity. "I'm not able to digest it just yet; I wasn't expecting it." Her first instinct was to share her happiness with her family. She promptly made a video call to her father, a construction fabricator, and her mother, a homemaker. A rush of emotion followed. "I was crying, and they also got very emotional," she recalls.
Turning Point in WPL
A strong season in the Women's Premier League proved to be the turning point for Nandani. Representing Delhi Capitals, she played 10 matches and picked up 17 wickets, making headlines for her match-winning spells. Among her standout achievements was becoming the first Indian bowler in the tournament to claim both a five-wicket haul and a hat-trick. "I think my WPL season and what I achieved there worked in my favour," she says matter-of-factly. "That gave me a lot of confidence."
Overcoming Setbacks
However, the journey has not been without setbacks. Earlier this year, while playing in an India A series, Nandani suffered a hand injury that required stitches, forcing her to miss two tournaments. It was, in her own words, a "low phase." Yet, it became a defining moment in her mental preparation. "I'm working on building myself up and staying level-headed," she says. "I want to be mentally strong going into this."
Nervous Yet Determined
As for pressure, Nandani does not shy away from admitting the nerves. "I am nervous; I'll try and rest for two days to digest this, and then get on with practice." Nandani's call-up marks a beautiful chapter in the city's sporting landscape.
