Kalyani Dhokarikar

Kalyani's love for cricket stemmed from her mother Smt. Sandhya’s passion for sports, a renowned softball player in her school and college. As a single mother Sandhya supported and raised Kalyani with determination to be successful . Kalyani admired her mother's dedication and strength. As Kalyani lost her father when she was barely 3 years old she

owes her success to her mother and her maternal grandparents who guided and nurtured her dream to pursue cricket.

Kalyani demonstrated exceptional skill and leadership on and off the field.

Kalyani was a force to be reckoned with, batting right-handed and bowling right-arm - fast. Her professional career spanned from 1995 to 2000, during which she represented India in both Test and One Day Internationals. She had a fierce passion for the game.

After completing her schooling in the prestigious St Joseph’s School, Pashan, Pune, she pursued her higher education at the BMCC College of Commerce - Pune.

One of Kalyani's proudest moments came in 1995 when she was part of the champion Indian women’s cricket team that lifted the Centenary Cup (in a Tri series ) in New Zealand. It was a historic victory,

She also was a part of the Indian team to win a series against England in England.

Not only did Kalyani excel at the international level, but she also captained her state, Maharashtra, and the west zone teams ( which comprised of 5 states) in domestic cricket. Her leadership qualities were commendable, and she led her team to several victories.

Her dedication and talent were recognized on several occasions as she was awarded the title of the best all-rounder in domestic cricket on several occasions .

Her performance showcased her determination, skill, and unwavering commitment to her team's success.

Kalyani is the recipient of the prestigious Shiv Chhatrapati award, a symbol of recognition for her contributions to the game. She embraced this honor with humility and grace, always remembering her roots and the support she received from her family.

Kalyani's journey as a cricketer included representing Indian Women’s Cricket team in two World Cups and also a series V/s England in England which India Won.

These tournaments were not just an opportunity for her to display her abilities; they were also platforms for her to inspire young cricketers and instill a sense of national pride. She inspires future generations to strive for excellence.

Beyond her cricketing prowess, Kalyani possessed exceptional leadership qualities that made her stand out from her peers. She was a reliable and approachable captain who led by example, motivating her teammates through her actions rather than just words. Her ability to remain composed under pressure and make calculated decisions made her a revered figure in the cricketing fraternity. Having practiced at the Cadence Cricket Academy -Pune.

Kalyani was fortunate to have the guidance of esteemed coaches, Mr. Madhavrao Bapat in Pune and Mr. Pradeep Ingle, one of the first to train under renowned fitness trainer Mr Mihir Ternikar, They shaped her coaching philosophy and helped her refine her approach to the game, enabling her to bring out the best in her mentees too.

Furthermore, Kalyani surpassed boundaries beyond the cricket pitch and embraced the teachings of yoga through the renowned yogi BKS Iyengar. The practice of yoga not only helped her maintain a balanced mind and body but also instilled discipline and focus in her cricketing career.

Kalyani's story is one of triumph, passion, and relentless determination.

Her journey from a young girl dreaming of representing her country India to a revered cricketer who left an eternal mark on the game is an inspiration to us all. She has taught us that with hard work, determination, dedication , persistence and unwavering belief, anyone can achieve greatness.

The impact she continues to make as a mentor and role model for young cricketers. Her optimism and positive influence continue to shape the future of the sport, leaving a lasting impact for generations to come.

• Kalyani Dhokarikar at ESPNcricinfo
• Kalyani Dhokarikar at CricketArchive (subscription required)