N Shree Charani’s incredible journey from playing cricket with her uncle using a plastic bat in a small village to becoming India’s sought-after left-arm spinner is a testament to dedication and unexpected turns.
From Backyard Games to Big Dreams
Charani’s cricketing roots trace back to her uncle, Kishore Reddy, and his midday cricket hobby. Working at the Rayalseema Thermal Power Station, Kishore would spend his break playing cricket, often with a young Charani.
Starting in Class III, she’d join him with plastic bats at home, eventually following him to the quarters’ grounds. There, she fearlessly competed against players much older than herself, laying the groundwork for her future success.
A Surprising Switch to Cricket
Initially, Charani excelled in athletics at school, showing promise in Kho-Kho, badminton, and long-distance running. Her physical education instructor recognized her talent and brought her to a SAI training center in Hyderabad.
It was here that former Indian selector MSK Prasad noticed her skills and advised her to consider cricket. While her father initially preferred athletics, Charani was determined, convincing her family to let her pursue the sport.
Honing Her Unique Skills
Charani soon found a mentor in former Ranji cricketer Marripuri Suresh at the GHMC cricket academy. Despite limited prior professional coaching, she displayed remarkable consistency and accuracy as a bowler.
Her background playing tennis ball cricket as a medium pacer gave her a unique advantage: a potent quicker delivery. Andhra Head Coach Srinivas Reddy was particularly impressed by her ability to generate medium-pace speed with just a four-step run-up as a left-arm spinner.
Suresh also noted her exceptional fitness levels and her surprising ability to hit power shots lower down the batting order. Her rapid rise through district-level cricket, where she consistently scored runs and picked up wickets, marked her as a formidable all-rounder.
The Road to Team India
In 2022, Charani’s performance at the U-19 level caught the eye of Srinivas Reddy, who was looking to bolster the senior team’s bench. Her dedication was evident, often practicing spot bowling for hours and asking for extra net sessions even on match days.
Her consistent improvements led her state team to the national U-19 semi-finals. A significant spike in her game in 2023 garnered attention from national selectors, and she was picked up by Delhi Capitals in the Women’s Premier League for Rs 55 Lakhs.
Her stellar performance in the Challenger Trophy after the WPL sealed her India call-up. With the team searching for a reliable left-arm spinner, Charani has perfectly filled that void. India head coach Amol Muzumdar recently stated, “She’s been a find of the WPL. We were searching for a left-arm spinner and she’s fitted the bill perfectly.”
- Shree Charani began her cricketing journey playing with her uncle using a plastic bat.
- She transitioned from athletics to cricket based on advice from former Indian selector MSK Prasad.
- Her unique left-arm spin combines accuracy with a surprising pace, stemming from her early days as a medium pacer.
- Her rapid rise was fueled by exceptional dedication, fitness, and consistent performances at district and U-19 levels.
- Charani’s success in the Women’s Premier League and Challenger Trophy led to her much-needed international debut, solving India’s search for a left-arm spinner.
Charani’s journey showcases how raw talent, coupled with unwavering hard work and timely guidance, can lead to national recognition and become a crucial asset for the team.
