Shivi Sharma Highlights Growth of Women's Cricket in India
Changing Mindsets in Women's Cricket
Shivi Sharma, a player in the Delhi Premier League (DPL) women's cricket, expressed that the perception of women's cricket in India has evolved remarkably. Young athletes are now inspired by female World Cup champions rather than solely looking up to male players.
A Positive Shift
In an interview, Shivi noted that the increasing prominence of women's cricket has led to a significant cultural shift. "This change is very encouraging. A World Cup-winning captain is no longer just associated with men's cricket. Harmanpreet Kaur made history as the first captain to secure a World Cup victory on home soil. This is a positive development; cricket academies now welcome both boys and girls without any gender bias. The quality of women's cricket is improving every year," she stated.
Personal Inspirations
When discussing her role models, Shivi mentioned Ellyse Perry from Australia and India's Smriti Mandhana. "I admire Ellyse Perry for her cricketing skills. Although she didn't participate in the WPL this year, I've followed her career since childhood. Her insights on bowling and her competitive spirit resonate with me. Among Indian players, I appreciate Smriti Mandhana for her calm demeanor on the field. She may not display overt aggression, but her performance speaks volumes. Her consistency is something I admire," Shivi shared.
DPL: A Platform for Growth
Shivi emphasized the significance of domestic leagues, referring to the DPL as a "mini-version of the Women's Premier League (WPL)." She highlighted that this league provides essential exposure for young players. "The DPL is an excellent platform for us; scouts attend every match, which aids in WPL selections. The atmosphere is motivating and distinct from state-level competitions. With professional umpires and quality equipment, it mirrors the WPL experience. This initiative is a fantastic opportunity for young girls to showcase their talent," she remarked.
Support from LegaXy
Shivi's journey in cricket has also been bolstered by LegaXy, which supports her development as an emerging talent in the sport.