Priya Mishra: Aiming for Success in Australia with Her Lethal Googly and Unwavering Confidence

New Delhi, Dec 4 (NationPress) At the onset of 2024, Priya Mishra was an emerging leg-spinner from Delhi, set to make a significant impact. As the year draws to a close, Priya has experienced an extraordinary transformation, moving from relative obscurity to donning the Indian jersey in international cricket.

The Gujarat Giants selected her for WPL 2024, but unfortunately, Priya did not get to play as the team struggled and finished last. By retaining Priya, known for her exceptional control over her googly, instead of the veteran international player Sneh Rana, the team showcased its belief in Priya’s potential for future achievements.

Impressive performances in domestic tournaments, notably claiming 23 wickets for Delhi in the 2023/24 Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy, earned Priya a spot in the India ‘A’ tour of Australia in August, where she made headlines by taking 5 wickets for just 14 runs in the third 50-over match at Mackay.

After recovering from a hand injury that delayed her participation in the tour, she gained immediate confidence by taking out Maddy Darke with her first delivery. She further dismissed Nicole Faltum, Tess Flintoff, Kate Peterson, and Nicola Hancock, delivering an outstanding performance that secured India ‘A’ their first victory of the series.

“I felt assured after claiming the wicket with my first ball. The batters struggled to read my deliveries and had no idea where they were heading. My sole focus was on winning the match and taking as many wickets as I could, as my primary role is to secure scalps. After the match, many players asked me about my bowling techniques, but I had to admit my limited English skills, so conversation was minimal,” Priya shared in an exclusive interview with IANS before heading to India’s upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, commencing on December 5 in Brisbane.

As she prepares to face a formidable Australian squad, Priya believes her prior experience playing in Australia with the ‘A’ team will serve her well. “During that time, I realized I had a unique opportunity to adjust to the pitches and intended to seize it,” she noted.

“I aimed to take as many wickets as possible and remained focused on what worked for me from the outset. Having already played on those wickets, I am now adept at adapting my bowling to suit the bounce in those conditions.”

“I’ve been studying their gameplay, especially Ellyse Perry’s batting, as she is a formidable player. Moreover, Australia is a powerhouse in women’s cricket, and it’s essential for us to secure a victory against them,” she added.

The ‘A’ team tour allowed Priya to debut with the red Kookaburra ball during a four-day match in Gold Coast, where she achieved figures of 4-58 and 2-59. “From one end, I was taking wickets, while Minnu (Mani) di was picking up scalps from the other end. I had no nerves bowling with the red ball; I simply focused on taking wickets,” she stated.

“The SG ball is slightly larger, turns significantly, and releases better from the hand, while the Kookaburra ball is smaller, with its seam positioned inward, resulting in less turn. I didn’t dwell on the differences and just aimed to bowl consistently, which led to the wickets,” she explained.

Apart from cricket, Priya found supportive friends in Raghavi Bist, Shweta Sehrawat, Mannat Kashyap, and Uma Chetry. They aided her in overcoming the challenge of finding vegetarian food in Australia and provided support during her illness.

“Australia is an exquisite country, with minimal pollution. Raghavi was my biggest support during the tour. I often feel scared sleeping alone in a room. After I fell ill, she invited me to share her room and took care of me. When I started vomiting one night, she and another team member looked after me. My teammates were incredibly supportive in helping me regain my health,” Priya recounted.

This experience led to her selection for the ODI series against New Zealand, which she learned about when she was added to the team’s WhatsApp group. She made her debut in the second ODI in Ahmedabad on October 27. “I found out about my debut on the morning of the match. I immediately informed my family, and they were overjoyed, encouraging me to make the most of this opportunity,” she mentioned.

Priya vividly remembers the moment captain Harmanpreet Kaur presented her with the cap during the team huddle. “She advised me not to focus on my age, as I was the youngest in the team. Instead, she urged me to concentrate on bowling well and to not worry about who was batting against me, as I needed to stay true to my game,” Priya recalled.

The highlight of her debut was securing her first international wicket in the 32nd over, with Radha Yadav taking a diving catch to dismiss Brooke Halliday. Securing Brooke’s wicket was a significant relief for Priya, especially after witnessing Radha and Deepti Sharma miss catches off her bowling in prior matches.

In the final ODI, Priya excelled by bowling out Sophie Devine with a googly and then inducing Georgia Plimmer to offer a catch to first slip with her leg-break delivery. During her post-wicket celebration, she pointed to the pitch with her index finger, signaling that she was still in the game and should not be underestimated.

“During the second ODI, I didn’t anticipate taking a wicket. However, I was ecstatic in the second last over when Radha di caught a catch, marking my first wicket on debut,” she shared.

“I usually celebrate by pointing to the pitch, indicating that I am still in the game. Dismissing New Zealand batters was immensely satisfying, as they struggled to read my googlies. I couldn’t believe how it all unfolded,” she added.

Priya attributes her success in her debut series to the unwavering support of her teammates in India. “The team guided me after every ball I bowled. Even if I missed taking wickets or conceded boundaries, they would approach me, advising me on where to bowl and encouraging me to remain calm. Everyone was incredibly supportive,” she emphasized.

Her remarkable ascent is attributed to her coach, Shravan Kumar, who transformed her bowling technique from medium-pace to leg-spin. “Shravan sir provides me with constant guidance. He checks in on me even during challenging times, reminding me that it’s part of the game and to keep striving for the next match. He recognized my potential as a leg-spinner and facilitated my transition, and from that point, there’s been no looking back,” she explained.

Priya is immensely grateful for the steadfast support from her family, who originally hail from Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. “My parents and sister have been my biggest supporters. They never pressured me to focus on academics. Even in moments of failure, they offered unwavering encouragement,” she expressed.

“They always told me to prioritize cricket over studies and never imposed academic demands on me. My father would take me to the stadium, prioritizing my aspirations to play for the state over his job. He ensured I could attend matches in Delhi,” she recounted.

“My family expresses immense happiness and excitement whenever I achieve something. They often call to say, ‘Wow, you took three or five wickets today.’ Friends even reach out to my family to commend my performances,” she added.

With determination in her voice, Priya articulates her aspirations: to contribute to India’s victories, commencing with the Australia tour, and ultimately to achieve the pinnacle of winning the ODI and T20 World Cups. As Priya prepares to make her mark in Australia by claiming a plethora of wickets, the cricketing community eagerly anticipates the rise of this spin prodigy known for her lethal googly.

“So far, 2024 has exceeded my expectations. I never anticipated playing for India this year. I merely focused on making the most of every opportunity I received. I don’t overthink while bowling; regardless of the batters, they will score runs. My goal is to take wickets. Even if I take five wickets while conceding 40 runs across four overs, it benefits my team,” Priya concluded.