Synopsis
Kashvee Gautam, the pace-bowling all-rounder for Gujarat Giants, has made a remarkable return in WPL 2025 after recovering from a foot injury. With her impressive performance, she has become a key player, contributing significantly to her team's success and aiming for a spot in the Indian team.Key Takeaways
- Kashvee Gautam has emerged as a vital player for Gujarat Giants in WPL 2025.
- She has taken 10 wickets at an economy rate of 6.29.
- Her performance has been instrumental in her team's playoff qualification.
- Kashvee emphasizes a game-by-game mindset for success.
- Her dedicated preparation and fitness regime have contributed to her remarkable comeback.
New Delhi, March 13 (NationPress) After being sidelined last season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) due to a stress fracture in her foot, pace-bowling all-rounder Kashvee Gautam has made a remarkable comeback in the ongoing tournament, establishing herself as a vital asset for the Gujarat Giants. They are gearing up for the crucial Eliminator clash against the Mumbai Indians this Thursday evening.
With her impressive speed and precise stump attacks, along with her powerful batting, Kashvee has claimed 10 wickets, making her the second-highest Indian wicket-taker in the five-team competition, boasting an impressive economy rate of just 6.29.
In a stunning display, she danced down the pitch to hit a powerful six off Shabnim Ismail and also created a memorable moment by bowling out Meg Lanning. Her contributions have been crucial in leading her team to their first-ever playoff entry, enhancing her prospects for selection in the Indian team during a home ODI World Cup year.
Despite receiving numerous accolades, Kashvee remains grounded, focusing on performing well for her team in the playoffs. "I approach each match as if it's my first. I strive to start afresh every time," she stated.
“I am not preoccupied with my past wickets. I believe this approach is beneficial for me, and I intend to stick to it. I am committed to contributing as much as possible for the team and for GG,” she remarked in an exclusive interview with IANS.
Although she did not participate in WPL 2024, for which GG acquired her for Rs two crore, Kashvee acknowledged the franchise's faith in her potential for this season, facilitated by an off-season camp last year. “All the coaches were present. I was assigned the role of bowling with the new ball and in death overs,” she explained.
“For batting, my role was to bat at either six or seven and be adaptable. When I scored runs and took wickets, I gained confidence, and the coaches also believed in my capabilities. That encouraged me,” she added.
After completing her recovery and domestic commitments, Kashvee's dedicated preparation for WPL involved refining every aspect of her game, particularly power-hitting, under the guidance of her coach Nagesh Gupta in Zirakpur, Punjab. She adhered to a strict diet and maintained a rigorous fitness routine to prevent injuries and ensure peak performance.
“I focused on my fitness to remain injury-free throughout the tournament. Additionally, I practiced extensively and studied videos of international batters to learn their techniques and strategies,” she shared. “I made significant changes to my diet, and it's yielding positive results.”
“Power-hitting has always been a part of my game. I practiced more against faster bowlers, hitting them in open fields. I analyzed batters to identify their weaknesses, which helped me create effective plans for the matches,” she explained.
Among her standout performances in WPL 2025, Kashvee particularly values her match against the Mumbai Indians, where she successfully trapped skipper Harmanpreet Kaur lbw in just the third match of her season.
"I was determined to take Harmanpreet Kaur's wicket. I had envisioned this moment, and when it happened, I felt a great sense of accomplishment. I rely on my strengths, knowing my balls can swing,” she reflected.
“Before the match, I consulted with Pravin (Tambe, bowling coach). He provided valuable insights on extracting swing from the pitch, which boosted my confidence. Now, I always bowl a little to gauge the conditions before any match,” she added.
Playing under the captaincy of Ashleigh Gardner has been a rewarding experience for Kashvee. She appreciates the all-rounder’s calm demeanor and strategic insights. "Playing under her has been relaxed. She cultivates a chill atmosphere, and her experience as one of the best all-rounders in the world guides us well,” she said.
“I trust her instincts completely, and her strategies resonate with me. Our collaboration with all the bowlers and Ashleigh is excellent, and we look up to her planning and tactics,” she added.
The competitive nature of the WPL, showcasing elite international players, has prompted Kashvee to elevate her game following her absence last year. So far, she has adapted seamlessly and hopes to continue this performance in the high-pressure knockout phase of WPL 2025.
“There is a significant difference between domestic competitions and the WPL, as every team here features international players who are among the best in the world. Thus, it’s crucial to apply your mind while bowling and batting, to read the batter's intentions and strategize accordingly. The fielding standards are exceptional, so it’s vital to put in maximum effort,” she concluded.
