Kamalini Gunalan, a 17-year-old cricketer from Madurai, Tamil Nadu, is about to shine on a bigger stage. After impressing in domestic cricket, she has landed a spot on the Indian women’s cricket team for the upcoming T20 series against Sri Lanka. She’ll be playing as both a batter and a wicketkeeper.
This exciting five-match T20 series runs from December 21 to 30, 2023, in Visakhapatnam and Thiruvananthapuram. Kamalini’s inclusion marks her debut in the national squad, where she’ll join 14 other talented players.
Kamalini’s journey started at age 12 when her father, Gunalan, recognized her passion for cricket. They moved to Chennai to enroll her in a cricket academy, which set the stage for her future. Training at the Chennai Super Kings Academy, she quickly gained recognition as a talented opening batsman and skilled wicketkeeper.
Her accomplishments are impressive. In 2021, Kamalini scored 485 runs in an Under-15 Asian cricket series, claiming the title for the most runs. She later excelled in U19 T20 matches, which drew the attention of fans and selectors alike. Not long after, she joined the Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League, where she showcased her abilities across nine matches. This year, she was also part of the Indian team that won the U19 T20 World Cup, a significant feather in her cap.
Recently, she stood out in the U-23 T20 series, finishing as one of the highest run scorers for Tamil Nadu, including a century. Her consistent performance earned her a well-deserved place in the national team. “I’m thrilled about this opportunity,” she told ETV Bharat Tamil Nadu. “My five years of hard work have truly paid off.”
Reflecting on her journey, Kamalini highlighted the importance of hard work and discipline. “Playing with experienced players will teach me so much. I want to enjoy the game and learn from them. Talent is what matters most when striving for the Indian team.” She started as a bowler but switched to wicketkeeping and batting based on her coach’s advice. “I love batting and want to be as quick as Dhoni behind the wicket,” she shared.
Her father, Gunalan, expressed immense pride over her selection. “This is a dream come true for our family. Her dedication has truly paid off. The Tamil Nadu government also supported her with a scholarship of Rs. 25 lakhs.” His faith in her talent and hard work was unwavering, and now it’s a joyful reality.
Kamalini’s story isn’t just about her talent; it’s also a reflection of increasing support for women in cricket in India. With more sponsorships and media attention on the women’s game, young talents like Kamalini are emerging more than ever. According to a recent report, women’s cricket viewership has surged by 30% in the last year alone, reflecting growing interest and investment in the sport.
As Kamalini steps onto the field, she not only represents her state but also the future of women’s cricket in India. Her journey inspires many young players across the country, proving that with talent, persistence, and the right support, dreams can turn into reality.
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T20 MATCH, KAMALINI GUNALAN, TAMIL NADU, TAMIL CRICKETER IN T20 INDIA TEAM, YOUNG TAMIL NADU CRICKETER KAMALINI GUNALAN EARNS INDIA T20 CALL-UP
