Jintimani Kalita: Rising Star of Assam's Women's Cricket
A Trailblazer in Women's Cricket
Guwahati, June 27: At just 19 years old, Jintimani Kalita made history by becoming the first female cricketer from Assam to be selected for the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in 2023. She was signed by the Mumbai Indians at her base price of ₹10 lakh, marking her entry into the national cricket scene.
Throughout her three seasons with the Mumbai Indians, Jintimani has yet to deliver standout performances, but she emphasizes that the experience has been crucial for her development as both a cricketer and an individual.
“Playing for India has always been my aspiration. It’s something I’ve dreamed of for a long time,” Jintimani shared in an interview. “After Uma (Chetry) represented India, expectations from people here increased. However, I view these expectations as motivation rather than pressure.”
Uma Chetry, a wicketkeeper-batter, was the first woman from Assam to compete for India at the senior level in 2024. Jintimani noted that Uma’s achievements have inspired many young athletes in the region.
“I have received tremendous support from the Assam Cricket Association, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, and numerous well-wishers. Their faith in me motivates me to strive harder towards my goals,” she added.
Reflecting on her WPL experience, Jintimani described it as a significant learning opportunity, particularly during her inaugural season.
“I was thrilled during my first WPL, but I struggled to perform,” she recalled, hailing from Mangaldai in Darrang district. “In subsequent seasons, I gained a better understanding of the game. Interacting with international players from Australia and England was invaluable. I would ask them about their mindset before batting or bowling, which taught me how to adopt a more professional approach.”
Jintimani commended Uma for her resilience and ability to recover from challenging situations.
“Uma has put in a lot of effort. Her ability to bounce back showcases her mental fortitude,” Jintimani remarked. “I truly admire that. If we can cultivate such mental strength, it will benefit our entire team.”
Currently, Jintimani is preparing to join the Assam team for a tour in Malaysia starting July 7, where they will compete in five limited-overs matches against the Malaysian national women’s team, with Uma serving as captain.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to gain international experience and adapt to different playing conditions,” Jintimani expressed. “We are grateful to the ACA and Devajit sir for organizing this tour. We aim to make the most of it.”
While Jintimani awaits her call-up to the national team, her journey, characterized by quiet determination and steady advancement, positions her as one of the most promising talents in Assam’s women’s cricket.