Rajeshwari Gayakwad once said, “I had no expectations of myself, nor did others.”

Rajeshwari Gayakwad, one of India’s best spin spinners, may have had a completely different trajectory for his cricket career. Inspired to play cricket by players like as Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar, Gayakwad was initially a fast bowler and was given the nickname “Lady Zaheer Khan.” However, her early career lack of fitness forced her to concentrate on spin instead.

The 32-year-old, who is originally from Vijaypura, was in the city recently for an occasion hosted by Sisters in Sweat, a group that supports women’s wellbeing and physical fitness. Gayakwad, who trains here as well, talks with CE about her passion for namma ooru, her feelings of belonging at UP Warriorz, and her experiences representing India at the 2017 World Cup.

How did cricket attract you in?

I used to watch cricket matches with great enthusiasm when I was younger, particularly when Sachin Tendulkar and Sehwag were playing. However, I never thought that I would be a cricket player. I used to play neighborhood kids and my brothers gully cricket. My enthusiasm in cricket grew with time, and I enrolled in the cricket academy to begin my adventure.

You wanted to be a fast bowler at first, but then you switched to spinning. How do you feel about it now that you’ve looked back on it?

When I first began, I was fascinated about fast bowling. However, I wasn’t at the proper level of fitness at the time since I was still rather young. My coach at the time advised me to convert to spin bowling. I really like fast bowling, so it was quite discouraging. It took a lot of practice and effort to transition to spin. However, my affection for it grew the more I worked on it. Furthermore, I had no expectation of doing well on the state team or in the zonals. However, my efforts paid off, as I performed well for Team India.

Almost a decade has passed since your global debut in 2014; what are your thoughts on that time?

I’ve had many highs and lows over the last ten years, and it’s been an unforgettable decade. Probably the 2017 World Cup was my favorite moment throughout this whole period. I was able to participate in the seventh match, but I was not there for the first six. It was a great occasion for the team to make it to the finals and I knew that my performance was essential to the team’s triumph that day. I will always treasure that memories. Neither I nor anyone else had any expectations of us. Nevertheless, I did okay.

Women’s cricket has been much more visible and well-liked in the last several years, particularly after the WPL. In what way do you see that change?

The game has, in my opinion, greatly improved for women in recent years. Prior to the 2017 World Cup, women’s soccer was rarely ever seen among the general public. However, when we made it to the championship round, many young ladies were motivated to take up the sport. Seeing the growing attention always makes me grin. The infrastructure and support network for aspiring athletes has also grown significantly throughout this period. Children nowadays don’t have to endure the same hardships that we faced in the past.

Would you mind sharing your UP Warriorz experience? How does it feel to be a member of this group?

I felt right at home as soon as I joined the team. We’ve all had a great day playing terrific cricket in a pleasant environment. As a veteran member of the squad, I’ve also tried to ease the transition for some of the younger guys. Most new students are anxious. It sometimes may have a detrimental effect on their performance on the field.

You visit Bengaluru often. How do you feel about the city?

I have always cherished Bengaluru. I always feel happy and at ease as soon as I arrive at the airport in Bengaluru, no matter where I travel in the nation or the globe! I’ve always wanted to live in a metropolis since I was a little girl, and now, that dream has started to come true. At Chinnaswamy Stadium, I saw live cricket for the first time. I’ve cherished the location ever since. It’s among my favorite places to perform. The Bengaluru audience is what makes playing here so enjoyable. It’s pretty different than anyplace else to play in front of them.

What goals do you have for the squad going into the next events, and how are you getting ready for them?

The next Bangladesh series is something I’m excited about. I simply want to take advantage of the chance and give it my all there; I’m not too worried about it. I would say that serving the team to the best of my abilities is my main priority.