Indian all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar has revealed that a chance encounter with Virat Kohli in South Africa left her too starstruck to hold a conversation — a candid admission that offers a rare glimpse into the human side of one of women's cricket's most experienced campaigners. Vastrakar, currently captaining the Chambal Ghariyals in the Women's MPL T20, shared the anecdote during a recent interaction.

The Virat Kohli Moment

'I met Virat in South Africa. But I didn't talk to him. Because we were at the airport, and I thought he was occupied. I was nervous, maybe, so I didn't speak to him because he's someone with a busy schedule,' Vastrakar said. She added that the absence of a direct conversation has never felt like a gap, given that players regularly cross paths at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (NCA). 'If you go to the NCA, you meet all the players there. There are coaches. We have so many senior players in our team. So, they help us with small things,' she explained.

Why Women's MPL T20 Matters

Beyond the Kohli anecdote, Vastrakar spoke at length about the significance of the Women's MPL T20 as a development platform. 'This platform is very big for girls. And when they get a platform, they get a chance to show their skills. All the scout members are involved, and they have an eye on the players,' she said. She noted that even a single strong delivery or innings could open doors to national camps for emerging cricketers.

Discipline as the Defining Edge

Asked what separates future India players from the rest, Vastrakar pointed squarely at discipline. 'A lot of people work hard, a lot of people have talent. But the discipline — if you're bowling an over, can you deliver all the 6 balls exactly the way the captain wants you to? If you're batting, if the score is 120, can you stay till the end and chase it down? That is where discipline is crucial in making a player a star,' she said.

On Captaincy and Responsibility

Vastrakar, who has represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Mumbai Indians in the Women's Premier League (WPL), said leading a franchise demands a fundamentally different mindset. 'When you're a captain for a franchise in MPL or even the state team, you have to act responsibly, not just for yourself but also for the 15 members plus supporting staff,' she noted. She added that she has 'liked taking responsibility since childhood' and is enjoying the captaincy role.

World Cup Message and Personal Journey

The 25-year-old all-rounder, who did not find a place in India's squad for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup beginning Friday, nonetheless backed the team to deliver. 'My message is that they are doing a good job, and they should continue playing the same way. And bring the T20 World Cup home just like they brought home the ODI World Cup,' she said. Reflecting on her own rise, Vastrakar credited early belief from those around her and the composure that comes with experience. 'When you make your debut, there are ups and downs. It's a little difficult to handle. But as you gain experience, your attitude changes and you become cool, calm, and composed,' she added. With the World Cup underway and domestic tournaments providing the next generation its stage, Vastrakar's journey — from starstruck airport encounter to national-team regular — underlines how far India's women's cricket ecosystem has come.