The Delhi Capitals (DC) are all set to take on the in-form Gujarat Giants (GG) in Lucknow. A win here will strengthen GG’s chances of making the playoffs, but the task won’t be easy. In the WPL, DC hold a 4-1 lead in their head-to-head record against GG, and in the reverse fixture, they secured a six-wicket win.
However, in DC’s last match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), a 20-year-old debutant, Shree Charani, made an impact with two wickets. Her bowling impressed everyone, and now, ahead of the clash against GG, she had an exclusive chat with RevSportz. In this conversation, she opened up about her cricketing journey, her idols, the support from Meg Lanning, and more.
First of all, congratulations. You ended up having a fantastic debut. How was the experience? When did you find out that you were going to play?
I actually found out I was going to play when I got to the ground. I was doing my warm-up when Jonathan Batty sir informed me that I was going to make my debut. Later, during the huddle, Jess Jonassen handed me my cap, which was a really special moment.
How did it feel to take your first wicket and, of course, bowl to a legend like Ellyse Perry?
I did not have any specific plan in mind—I just focused on my strengths and stuck to them. Of course, bowling to such big players, especially someone like Ellyse Perry, is a huge challenge. Meg (Lanning) gave me some tips, and I simply followed them. It helped me stay composed, execute my plans effectively and pick my first wicket, which was an incredible feeling.
For the Latest Sports News: Click Here
Tell us a little bit about the backing that you have received from Meg Lanning and the DC management…
Meg Lanning guides me based on the situation—she tells me what I can do at that moment. She does not overcomplicate things and gives that space to her players.
Can you share your cricketing journey, especially how you made it to this stage from Kadapa?
My love for cricket started in childhood. I used to play with my mama, brother, dad, and sister. Later, when my friends in the colony played, I used to join them, too. I was also involved in other sports, but I was always connected to cricket. I played kho-kho and badminton, and in fact, badminton was the first sport I started with. I used to watch Indian players like Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu on TV. When I was involved in athletics, I even had the chance to meet Sindhu.
Regarding my cricket journey, I trained in Andhra. Until my ninth grade, I played cricket regularly. It was around seventh grade when my father bought me my first cricket kit. My mama and I would go to the ground and practice whenever we had free time. My mother is a housewife, my father is a government employee, and my mama is a contractor. They have always supported me.
Any spinner or player you have looked up to for inspiration?
My biggest inspirations are Yuvraj Singh and Smriti Mandhana. When I was watching videos of left-handed batters, I came across Yuvraj Singh’s iconic six sixes in an over. That moment really stuck with me, and I thought to myself, “One day, I want to do something like that.”
What were the feelings of your loved ones when you bagged the WPL contract and, of course, after your debut?
When the auction was happening, I was at home. I found out that I had been picked by the Delhi Capitals and was really happy. My friends were so excited—they even brought a cake for me.
Did you chat with Sourav Ganguly before or after the last match?
I had conversations with Dada (Sourav Ganguly) during training. He told me that my bowling was going well and encouraged me to keep it up. As for batting, I have not had the chance to showcase it in the WPL yet, but if I get the opportunity, I will definitely give my best.
I ended up watching the video where RCB’s Danni Wyatt and others were chatting with you and praising your performance. How did it feel?
After our last match, Lisa ma’am introduced me to many RCB players, including Dani Wyatt. Lisa ma’am always makes sure to introduce me to different players, which is great because I am not someone who naturally goes and starts conversations. It felt nice when they spoke with me.
Also Read: She has the spark that a player needs to represent India: Coach Rajiv Bilthare on Kranti Goud