'My India debut will inspire many girls in Kerala,' says Delhi Capitals' off-spinner Minnu Mani

Minnu Mani, the pride of Wayanad, made history, becoming the first Kerala woman cricketer to play for the India senior team. She believes that her India debut will inspire many girls in Kerala.

Also Read: "Just because your favourite isn't there in the squad, you shouldn't degrade the others"– Ashwin takes a dig at the Indian Cricket Team fans

Recently a camp was organized for the DC Men's and Women's teams by the Delhi Capitals franchise in the Delhi NCR region. The camp, which was conducted under the watchful eyes of the franchise's Director of Cricket Sourav Ganguly, consisted of nine players from each of the Delhi Capitals Men's and Women's teams.

Speaking on the sidelines of the camp, DC off-spinner Minnu Mani narrated the story. She explained how she felt before making her India debut against Bangladesh in July. "I didn't expect to play all matches in the T20I series. I couldn't believe it when I was named in the eleven for the first game of the series. I was so excited to get the opportunity and it was great to receive my India cap from Smriti Mandhana."

"I was slightly nervous when I started bowling. I got hit for a six and a four, and then Harmanpreet shared some thoughts with me. I felt comfortable on the field after the two hits (laughs)." Mani added.

Mani is the is the first woman from Kerala to play cricket for India. When asked about the special feat, Mani said, "My India debut will certainly inspire many girls in Kerala. I dreamt of becoming the first woman from Kerala to represent India and that dream has come true."

However, the road to the Indian team hasn't been easy. Speaking about her journey, Mani expressed, "I practised cricket and carried out my studies in Kerala Cricket Association's Cricket Academy from 9th grade until my graduation. But, post my graduation, I had to cover a long distance to reach my training ground from my home. I was travelling three hours a day. and my family found it difficult to provide for my travel requirements as well. However, all the hard work has paid off now."

Also Read: Heath Streak's death news was untrue: He is alive and recovering

The off-spinner also received a special gesture from her hometown - Wayanad following her India debut. Mani expressed that she feels proud to receive the gesture. 

"Whenever I used to go for practice, I used to cross the main junction of our town. And now that junction is called Minnu Mani junction. I feel very proud and happy to see a junction named after me," the off-spinner signed off.