From Village Superstition to Cricket Stardom: Pooja Kalel's Remarkable Rise
In the village of Sangli, Maharashtra, left-handed individuals have long been viewed with deep suspicion, often labeled as "apshagun" or bad omens. This was the harsh reality faced by young Pooja Kalel from the moment she was born. Her own brother, Dhanaji, recalls how she was considered a bearer of misfortune simply because of her dominant hand. Yet, against all odds, Pooja has transformed this perceived curse into a blessing, achieving what few her age can dream of: a spot on the Goa senior women's cricket team at just 12 years old.
A Family Divided Between Maharashtra and Goa
Pooja's parents, who work as laborers building roads, divide their time between their home in Sangli and their workplace in Goa. This dual existence meant Pooja spent her early years in Sangli, where she faced not just ridicule but physical beatings for her left-handedness. "Left-handed people in the village are considered apshagun," explained Dhanaji, highlighting the deep-rooted superstitions that plagued her childhood. Had she remained there, her brother believes she might have been forced into an early marriage, a common fate for many girls in the region.
The Turning Point: A Brother's Vision
Dhanaji, whose own cricket aspirations were dashed by a ligament tear, saw potential where others saw peril. Recognizing that a left-handed woman cricketer, especially one who could bowl off-spin, could be a rare asset, he took decisive action. Three years ago, he brought Pooja to Goa, enrolled her at L D Samant Memorial High School in Porvorim, and began an intense training regimen. "Missing training was out of the question," he stated, describing sessions that lasted six to eight hours daily, even during illnesses or family celebrations.
Financial constraints were a significant hurdle. Dhanaji, who had to drop out of school and take a part-time job, often borrowed money from friends to buy cricket balls. He pushed Pooja to bowl nearly 2,000 deliveries a day, a grueling routine that soon yielded results. Her performances in local tournaments, where she regularly won best bowler or player awards, caught the attention of the Goa Cricket Association (GCA).
Breaking into the Senior Team
Last month, just before her 13th birthday, Pooja's hard work paid off when she was selected for the senior state cricket team. She made her debut at the Senior Women's One Day Trophy Elite tournament, competing against some of India's top cricketers. "I knew I would get my chance so when the ball was handed to me, I did not panic," Pooja told reporters at her Porvorim residence. She emphasized the importance of basics: bowling in the right spot and maintaining line and length, as coached by her mentors.
Her debut against Delhi saw her bowl three wicketless overs, conceding 33 runs. However, she quickly adapted, taking a wicket against Hyderabad in seven overs and finding success against Kerala. In matches against Punjab and Tripura, she was trusted to bowl her full quota of 10 overs, demonstrating the coaches' faith in her abilities. "She didn't get too many wickets but bowlers at the other end were successful because she was bowling with a lot of discipline," Dhanaji noted, expressing gratitude for the association's support.
Looking Ahead: National Aspirations
Pooja's journey is far from over. Her next goal is to earn a place at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) camp, a stepping stone to the India U-19 team. "I have to keep performing," she asserted, showing a maturity beyond her years. Should she achieve this, she would follow in the footsteps of star batter Smriti Mandhana, who also hails from Sangli, completing a full-circle narrative from ridicule to recognition.
Pooja Kalel's story is a powerful testament to resilience and the transformative power of sport. Once scorned as a bad omen, she has not only made her family proud but also inspired many by challenging archaic beliefs and proving that talent knows no superstition.
