Samaira Raghav Signs with Gujarat Giants for WPL 2027
Samaira Raghav Joins Gujarat Giants for WPL 2027
All-rounder Samaira Raghav has been signed by Gujarat Giants (GG) for ₹10 lakh ahead of the upcoming Women's Premier League (WPL) season. The 16-year-old cricketer expressed her eagerness to learn from Australian star Ashleigh Gardner and Indian wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh to enhance her six-hitting skills. Samaira played a pivotal role in North Delhi Strikers' success in the Delhi Premier League (DPL) this year, accumulating 100 runs in six matches with an impressive strike rate of 131.58. Additionally, she showcased her bowling talent in the U19 T20 Trophy, scoring 162 runs in seven innings at a remarkable strike rate of 216.
Early Inspirations and Career Growth
Reflecting on her cricketing journey, Samaira credits her father for encouraging her to join a cricket academy, despite her initial lack of interest. She mentioned Indian players Pratika Rawal and Shweta Sehrawat as her primary inspirations. "My dad motivated me to pursue cricket, and I eventually found joy in the game. I also trained with seniors who currently play for Delhi Railways, including Pratika didi, Shweta didi, and Tanisha Singh, who have greatly inspired me," she shared.
Discussing her DPL experience, she noted that younger players often get the opportunity to play alongside seasoned players. "Our experienced coaches guided us throughout the journey, helping us navigate both the highs and lows. Winning the tournament was a fantastic experience," she added.
Learning from the Best
Samaira expressed her desire to learn from Ashleigh Gardner, particularly regarding her six-hitting techniques and mental approach. "I admire Ashleigh Gardner for her incredible six-hitting skills and her all-round performance. I would love to understand her routines and mindset," she stated.
She also mentioned that India's historic victory in the 50-over Women's World Cup last year has significantly influenced her cricketing aspirations. "During the World Cup final, I was in a hotel room with my teammates, and we all watched together. It was emotional to see Indian women triumph after facing numerous challenges. It inspired me to strive for similar success for my country," she remarked.
Future Aspirations with Team India
If given the opportunity to represent India, Samaira expressed her interest in learning from Richa Ghosh's six-hitting prowess, Smriti Mandhana's composure on the field, and Harmanpreet Kaur's extensive knowledge. "I would love to understand Richa's mindset when hitting those big sixes. Smriti didi's calmness and leadership are remarkable, and Harman didi has so much knowledge to share; I feel I could learn a lot from all of them," she concluded.