Kashvee Gautam Joins Indian Women's ODI Squad for Australia Series
The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced the women's ODI team for the Australia tour on Saturday. Twenty-two-year-old Chandigarh cricketer Kashvee Gautam received her call-up to the national side. The tour begins on February 15.
From Gully Cricket to National Honors
Gautam's cricket journey started in her childhood. As one of two sisters, she began playing at her aunt Sunita Sharma's insistence. A six-year-old Gautam would play gully cricket with neighborhood boys in Sector 37 of Chandigarh.
Her talent quickly became apparent. She broke into Chandigarh's junior and senior teams during her teenage years. Gautam first captured national attention in 2020. She achieved a remarkable feat during the BCCI Women's U-19 One Day Tournament in Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh.
Against Arunachal Pradesh, she claimed all ten wickets in an innings. This performance made her the first Indian woman cricketer to accomplish this milestone.
WPL Success and International Experience
Gautam has established herself in the Women's Premier League. In 2023, Gujarat Giants purchased her for Rs 2 crore. This made her the most expensive uncapped player in WPL history at that time.
The Gujarat Giants retained her services in last year's auction for Rs 65 lakh. She currently represents the team in the ongoing WPL season.
At the international level, Gautam has already played three ODIs for India. She has also represented India A teams in previous assignments. This Australia tour marks her first selection for the senior national team's official series.
Tour Schedule and Team Composition
The Indian women's team will play multiple matches during their Australia visit. The schedule includes three T20 Internationals and three One Day Internationals. The team will also play one women's Test match during the tour.
Other notable selections include World Cup winners Harleen Deol and Amanjot Kaur from Mohali. Kaur earned spots in both the T20 and ODI squads. Deol secured her place in the ODI team alongside Gautam.
This selection represents a significant milestone in Gautam's cricket career. It rewards her consistent performances in domestic cricket and the Women's Premier League. Her journey from Chandigarh's streets to the national team inspires many young cricketers across India.
