Vaishnavi Sharma has responded with calmness and maturity after missing out on selection for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup squad, making it clear that her journey at the international level is only just beginning.
The young spinner, who played a key role in India’s Under-19 World Cup triumph, made her senior debut during the home series against Sri Lanka women’s national cricket team last December. She impressed early, picking up five wickets in five matches at an economy rate of 6.26 — a promising start to her international career.
Speaking in an exclusive interaction, Vaishnavi reflected on her rapid rise and the learnings along the way.
“My debut in Mumbai was very special. I still remember getting a call from Harmanpreet Kaur asking me to pack my bags and report immediately. That moment meant everything to me,” she said. “Representing my team and contributing on the field gave me immense satisfaction. It also felt special to be connected to my roots.”
She also highlighted the exposure she gained early in her career. “What made it even more memorable was the opportunity to interact with overseas players and share the field with experienced cricketers. It was a huge learning experience for me.”
On her transition from age-group cricket to the senior setup, Vaishnavi emphasised that it has been a long journey rather than a sudden breakthrough.
“It may look quick from the outside, but for me, it’s been years of hard work. I’ve been working towards representing India for over a decade. Every time I stepped onto the field, that dream motivated me,” she said. “Over the last couple of years, things have started falling into place, but it’s all because of consistent effort. I still see this as a continuous process — I want to keep improving every day.”
Her time training in Mumbai also played a key role in shaping her development.
“It was a very positive experience. I got to work with great mentors who were always willing to guide me. Learning from someone like Jhulan Goswami was incredibly valuable,” she noted. “One key lesson I learned is that hard work, combined with the right guidance and a bit of luck, can take you a long way.”
Looking ahead, Vaishnavi is focused on making the most of upcoming opportunities, including the India A tour of England.
“I’m really looking forward to the England tour. Opportunities like these are important stepping stones. I’ll keep working hard and make the most of every chance I get,” she said.
Despite the World Cup setback, Vaishnavi’s outlook remains firmly positive — a sign of a young cricketer focused on long-term growth rather than short-term disappointments.
