WOW! profiles a promising female player of India’s favorite sport
Five short years can make a life-changing difference in a person’s life. Like it did for Pranavi Chandra. In this span of time, not only has she received training, but Pranavi has played cricket in England for two years, and was one of the first players to be selected for the women’s T20 in 2022. She is also today considered to be one of the top three emerging stars of Indian women’s cricket.
The 21-year-old Pranavi had no dreams of becoming a cricketer. She laughs, “My father was a big cricket fan but that was all there was to it. I used to enjoy playing gully cricket with my friends and online with my cousins but it was always for fun. Never did the thought of taking it up professionally cross my mind.”
It was in 2018, when she was studying for her Intermediate and got sick of studying maths that she decided she needed a break. She then attended a summer camp at Daniel Cricket Academy when she realized that she had found her calling. Training at the Ramanaidu Cricket Academy in Madhapur since 2019, she is considered to be one of the most promising young players in the women’s cricket team currently.
The all-rounder says that it was not an easy path. She recalls, “I have to say that I got lucky with my parents, as not many would agree to their only child wanting to be a sportsperson, especially in India. Then, there are other challenges – fitness and staying away from friends and family and not being able to do many of the things others my age do.”
“With the Women’s Premier League coming up, there is a lot of enthusiasm. While it’s not on par With men’s cricket, we are getting there” – Pranavi Chandra
Playing for the state just a year after she turned pro, she is a part of the women’s T20 team and speaks to us from Delhi where she is playing for the Senior One Day trophy. Women’s cricket in India has come a long way from where it was even a decade ago and the youngster agrees, “With the Women’s Premier League coming up, there is a lot of enthusiasm. While it’s not on par with men’s cricket, we are getting there.”
Over the past year, Pranavi has dealt with a lot of injuries and her focus currently is to stay in the best shape possible with her team of trainers, physios and nutritionists. Looking back at her journey she shares, “I’m very happy where I am. Considering that I turned pro just five years ago, I’m excited about all that I have been able to achieve.”
Looking forward for an exciting 2024 and playing to the best of her ability, her current goal is to be selected for the national team and play for India.
QUICK TAKE
One-dayers or T-20s: ODI’s, any day!
Favorite female cricketer: Ellyse Perry
A sportsperson you admire: MS Dhoni
When not playing cricket: I sing, play the guitar and love reading!
