New Delhi, Feb 2 (NationPress) As the Gujarat Giants gear up for their second appearance in the Women's Premier League (WPL) Eliminator at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara, Rajeshwari Gayakwad radiates a sense of calm confidence that obscures the challenging journey that led her here.

At the age of 34, the left-arm spinner is enjoying her best WPL season yet, having claimed 10 wickets in seven matches with an impressive average of 14.50 and an economy rate of 7.63. "There is not much else on our minds. Our primary goal is to perform well and secure victory in tomorrow's match. That’s the essence of it. I have confidence in myself and my team. This time, I believe we will reach the finals," Gayakwad stated.

“We are confident about reaching the finals, but winning tomorrow's match is crucial for us. Our focus is solely on performing well and winning. I believe we will make it to the finals for the first time, which would be a joyous moment. We will approach tomorrow's game with confidence," she shared in an exclusive interview with IANS.

For the Gujarat Giants, a final appearance would be historic. For Rajeshwari, it would signify the validation of a year’s hard work. After struggling in the last three seasons with the UP Warriorz, she is now spearheading the spin attack for GG.

Her deliveries, wide of the crease, combined with subtle variations in flight, have been successfully deceiving batters on the spin-friendly pitches in Vadodara. According to Rajeshwari, her impressive performance is largely attributed to her enhanced fitness, especially following her knee surgery in September 2024.

"I had a lengthy hiatus from cricket. While in rehab, I focused on becoming both mentally and physically fit. I dedicated significant time to self-improvement, aiming to address my weaknesses. Playing in the WPL has been a long-standing dream of mine, and this season is a significant opportunity for me as a player," she explained.

“The break has taught me a great deal and allowed me to implement those lessons. I always strive to give my best whenever I am on the field. Regardless of the circumstances, my aim is to contribute to the team's success," she continued.

What initially seemed like a devastating injury layoff turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The absence from competitive cricket provided Rajeshwari the necessary time to improve her fitness, reassess her game, and make technical adjustments that would have been challenging to undertake mid-season.

"Upon returning from rehab, I didn't play many matches last year. I consistently learned a lot while observing from the sidelines. Whenever an opportunity to play arose, I endeavored to apply those lessons on the field," she added.

Her physical transformation is clear - fitter and leaner than in previous seasons, Rajeshwari has retained the cleverness that has always defined her style. "I have enhanced my mental strength by absorbing knowledge from various sources, and I have also prioritized my fitness. You may have noticed that I appear fit - I have put in a lot of effort to improve myself," she said.

“My primary objective is to perform well on the field, and for those who believe my cricketing days are over, I aim to prove them wrong by excelling and declaring, 'Yes, I am thriving and there is plenty of cricket ahead for me,'" she emphasized.

Choosing to undergo surgery came with the understanding that the road to recovery would be challenging, and there were no assurances of regaining her previous form, including a spot in the Indian team. "When the surgery was scheduled, I was aware that it would be a difficult journey. I had to come to terms with the fact that it would take time to recover," she revealed.

“At that point, I felt quite low. Knowing that the future held uncertainties made the decision to proceed with the surgery monumental for me. It was not going to be easy, but I chose to go ahead with it. Unfortunately, I didn't have the opportunity to join the team, which contributed to my mental state. Regardless, I have committed to giving my best whenever I step on the field. This dedication was evident during the domestic season as I was the (third) highest wicket-taker in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy. Age is often brought up, but I don't believe it should be a limiting factor for anyone," she added.

Rather than succumbing to the narrative that her time has passed, particularly with the rise of younger left-arm spinners like N Sree Charani and Vaishnavi Sharma, alongside Radha Yadav and Shuchi Upadhaya receiving opportunities, Rajeshwari chose to work diligently and return to the game she fell in love with as a child in Bijapur. "As long as I remain fit, I can continue playing, and I am determined to dispel the notion that age is a barrier," she stated.

“As long as I have the desire to play, I will continue. Let's see - I have always strived to give my best. Many believed my cricketing journey was over, but that is far from the truth. This is merely a new chapter for me, and I want to communicate that," she expressed.

This season of WPL 2026 has seen her return to peak form in T20s, and Rajeshwari is eager to add to her international tally of five Tests, 64 ODIs, and 58 T20Is. "This is immensely significant for me. Everyone gets a chance post-injury, but I felt deprived of that opportunity, which saddens me. However, I will seize any chance that comes my way," she remarked.

“It feels as if everyone else has been given a chance after their injuries, but for me, that opportunity has yet to materialize. I wish I could have played to achieve my 100th wicket. I have a record of 99 wickets and feel I should have been given the chance to reach that milestone, but it hasn't happened yet," she elaborated.

When asked about her aspirations for a comeback to the Indian team, her reply was straightforward. "If age is not a consideration, then I can surely earn a chance. Age should not be a barrier, and if selectors believe in my ability, I will get an opportunity," she affirmed.

Throughout her most challenging times - the surgery, rehabilitation, and being sidelined from play, Rajeshwari's family remained a constant source of support. "There was no one but my family. They have been my greatest supporters. No one else understood the struggles I faced. When you perform well, people show interest, but in times of need, support can be scarce," she observed.

“During my lowest moments, my family was my only pillar of strength. Even now, I play for them, as they believe in my ability to continue playing cricket. I owe my current ability to play to their unwavering support," she stated.

Her younger sister, Rameshwari, also a cricketer who has represented Karnataka, has become Rajeshwari’s most trusted technical advisor and emotional anchor. "She plays an integral role in my life. She prioritizes my needs over her own. I view her more as a mentor than a sister," she shared.

“Though she is younger, she displays greater maturity. Whenever we return home, I haven’t had a personal coach for some time. My sister is everything to me; she understands my game and provides invaluable feedback. We grew up playing cricket together, and she recognizes my strengths and weaknesses," she added.

“We discuss and analyze ways to enhance our games. She identifies my mistakes and reminds me of what I used to do correctly. She comprehends everything about bowling and offers her guidance, supporting me throughout," she stated.

This support is unwavering, regardless of performance outcomes. "She is always joyful. My family stands by me - even when I don’t take wickets or claim multiple scalps, they find joy in watching me play well. Their support is vital, and I can affirm that I am still competing because of them," she remarked.

This WPL season has seen Gayakwad compete in diverse conditions, from the flatter surfaces in Navi Mumbai to the more conducive tracks at Vadodara. Although she didn’t bowl much in the competition's initial phase, the latter half has proven fruitful for her.

"The pitches here favor spinners, while the flatter ones in Navi Mumbai posed challenges. I didn't get many chances to bowl there, which was tough for bowlers. However, the slower wickets here provide assistance, making it enjoyable to play," she noted.

Her pre-match preparation, however, does not align with the modern trend of extensive routines involving data and analytics. "No, nothing of that sort. After so many years in the game, I don’t adhere to such routines. I believe in accepting whatever happens on that day," she stated.

“Each day is unique, and I have more faith in that. A good performance can lead to a positive outcome, but if we don’t do well, we can’t change that. Players experience ups and downs, and that's simply part of the journey," she summarized.

As the Gujarat Giants face off against DC in the Eliminator on Tuesday, Rajeshwari will not just be another experienced bowler in the lineup. She carries the weight of her sidelined frustrations and an unyielding desire to excel.

For her, a chance to play in the WPL final and potentially lift the trophy will serve as proof that age is just a number, passion reigns, and Rajeshwari has no intention of fading away quietly.