New Delhi, Nov 20 (NationPress) Vaishnavi Sharma has emerged as a remarkable talent in women's cricket, taking center stage as India's hat-trick hero and the top wicket-taker during the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, coinciding with the growing recognition of women's cricket in India, especially following the recent ODI World Cup triumph on November 2.

"There has been significant progress, and the recognition is growing. There used to be discussions about the men's team, but now the support is equal. It's gratifying to see that people are rallying behind both teams equally," Vaishnavi expressed during an exclusive interview with IANS at a OneDice event on Thursday.

Reflecting on her journey, she shared, "Playing in the U19 World Cup was a childhood dream, and experiencing it in Malaysia was incredibly emotional. When I took wickets, I was overwhelmed with joy to represent my country in a victorious match. Words can't quite express this feeling. I was nervous about achieving a hat-trick, yet I had faith in my abilities."

Her mindset during her inaugural World Cup highlighted her maturity. "Upon receiving my first chance, I decided that regardless of the outcome, I would cherish the moment and enjoy the experience. That’s precisely what I did."

Vaishnavi attributed her success to pre-match visualization and her steadfast belief in herself. "When I stepped onto the field, I felt it was my day. I had envisioned taking wickets, and it unfolded just as I imagined. I was confident that my hard work was paying off."

The camaraderie within the team significantly contributed to their success, as she mentioned, "The synergy among us was excellent. We celebrated each other's achievements without envy, fostering a joyful atmosphere throughout the tournament."

She acknowledged the crucial role of the coaching staff in easing the pressure of competing on a global stage. "Our coaches were incredibly supportive, reminding us not to get overwhelmed and to focus on our performance. They alleviated the burden of expectations, assuring us that we were there because we deserved it."

Regarding her future ambitions, especially with the WPL 2026 mega auction approaching on November 27, Vaishnavi maintained a balanced perspective. "My expectations are modest. If I get picked, that would be great; if not, it’s not the end of the world. We’ll see what happens next."

She expressed admiration for senior teammate Sneh Rana, who has been a guiding force in her journey. "Sneh di has been a significant inspiration to me; I used to watch her bowling closely. She has encouraged me greatly, urging me to enhance my skills with the ball."

Vaishnavi's mother, Ashalata, shared her insights on her daughter's early passion for cricket. "From a young age, Vaishnavi was very active in sports, and her father even predicted her potential in cricket through her horoscope. Her love for the game outweighed her interest in academics."

Both parents have played a pivotal role in her journey, offering unwavering support. "Being by her side throughout her training has been our greatest support. I was in tears of joy when she won the U19 World Cup," Ashalata recalled.

Vaishnavi's father, Narendra, highlighted the dedication needed to nurture her talent. "Vaishnavi began playing cricket at four, and we've faced numerous challenges to help her achieve her dreams. I always encouraged her during tough times, assuring her that if given a chance, she would shine for India, and she did just that with her hat-trick performance."

He concluded with heartfelt advice for families aspiring to support their daughters in sports: "If your daughters want to pursue a sporting career, set clear goals and encourage their participation in any sport they are passionate about. With determination and a clear vision, success will follow."