New Delhi, Jan 18 (NationPress) Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicketkeeper-batter Prathyoosha Kumar expressed her goal for WPL 2026 is to adopt a philosophy of playing with intent rather than merely surviving. Prathyoosha, who was acquired for Rs 10 lakh by RCB for the upcoming season, has been diligently preparing to transition from her extensive experience in domestic cricket for Karnataka.

Although Prathyoosha has yet to make her debut due to the presence of first-choice wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, her participation in WPL trials and net sessions with RCB during the initial three seasons has enriched her comprehension of the significant tactical evolution required at a more competitive level.

What may be deemed risky deliveries in domestic cricket can serve as effective wicket-taking strategies in the WPL, where an aggressive mindset is essential. "Since the inception of the WPL, I have engaged in numerous trials, trying to understand the dynamics of the league," stated Prathyoosha during a virtual discussion with IANS.

“There remains a noticeable gap between domestic cricket and the WPL environment. However, the trials and the scenarios they present offer insight into how things operate at a higher tier, and I believe that understanding is crucial," she noted.

With the evolution of modern cricket, Prathyoosha is actively integrating innovative shots into her batting technique. "I've begun to focus on executing 360-degree shots, including scoops, reverse scoops, sweeps, and reverse sweeps,” she explained.

“Additionally, I've started to incorporate a unique type of sweep similar to what Joe Root employs. This expansion of my skill set is proving beneficial for increasing my run tally," she added.

Central to her batting strategy is the principle of intent over mere survival, which she believes will enhance her scoring consistency. "It’s all about intent. If I’m merely aiming to survive, it won’t benefit either the team or me. It's about having the right mindset and knowing when to execute specific plays, which comes with experience," Prathyoosha articulated.

Her interactions with Grace Harris, a prominent all-rounder from Australia, have further emphasized the significance of professionalism. Prathyoosha has noticed that Grace and other international players maintain a laser-like focus on cricket during matches while remaining mentally detached from the stresses associated with the game.

Recognized for her sharp wicketkeeping skills, Prathyoosha has also learned the importance of simplicity by observing Richa during practice. “She maintains a high level of professionalism. At higher levels, simplicity and professionalism are paramount. It’s critical to not overcomplicate things regarding hand and leg movements. Focus on watching the ball and catching it,” she emphasized.

In Bengaluru, Prathyoosha’s training routine involves working with two coaches who offer contrasting styles—RX Murali, RCB’s batting coach focusing on technical fundamentals, and Arjun Dev, who runs the NICE academy and encourages unorthodox shot-making.

"I was introduced to RX Murali in 2018 through Mamatha Maben (former India captain), which led me to RXCA in Bengaluru. I’ve been training with him for nearly five to seven years. After he joined RCB, he became less available, prompting me to switch to NICE under Arjun Dev, who has been instrumental in my growth over the past two years," she recounted.

Training at NICE emphasizes enjoyment and freedom in playing cricket. "The focus is on playing for joy, love of the game, and expressing oneself freely. I believe that's crucial. At NICE, the approach is about being fearless and expressing oneself," she said.

Despite being a recent addition to the main RCB squad, the Bengaluru native feels at home in the RCB environment, thanks to her fellow NICE trainees Shreyanka Patil and Arundhati Reddy. "Having them around is wonderful. It doesn’t feel like I’m new to the setup; it feels like home. It’s been an amazing experience," she shared.

RCB concluded the Navi Mumbai leg of WPL 2026 as the sole unbeaten team in the tournament, with Grace and skipper Smriti Mandhana playing pivotal roles in their two victories. Prathyoosha had a front-row seat in the RCB dugout, observing the complementary batting styles of Grace and Smriti, and gleaning valuable lessons for when her opportunity arises in Vadodara.

"Absolutely. Observing Grace Harris and Smriti batting is illuminating; one is a powerful hitter while the other is a precise stroke maker. They understand how to attack effectively. When one player is aggressive, the other focuses on rotating the strike while still hitting boundaries. It illustrates that taking unnecessary risks isn't always required," she concluded.