Bhopal: Professor Narendra Sharma, father of Vaishnavi Sharma, a player in the Under-19 Women’s World Cup-winning team, expressed joy on Sunday as all the damage his daughter caused whilst bowling at home is now worth it. Vaishnavi is the first Indian cricketer to take a hat-trick in the U19 Women’s T20 WC.
Vaishnavi, hailing from Gwalior, achieved a remarkable milestone as a left-arm orthodox bowler by claiming the highest number of wickets (17) in any U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup edition.
Her outstanding performance began with exceptional figures of 5/5, including a hat-trick against Malaysia, who were dismissed for a mere 31 runs in the opening match.
Her subsequent performances included spells of 1/3 versus Sri Lanka, 3/15 against Bangladesh, 3/5 versus Scotland, 3/23 against England, and 2/23 in the final match against South Africa. Her father, professor Sharma, who practises astrology, states, “After looking at her horoscope, I already realised that she will make a name for herself in some sport.” He added, “That’s why I put her into cricket at the age of 4 and today she has brought laurels to the country,” adds the 50-year-old professor. “Vaishnavi’s dedication to bowling practice extended to her home, resulting in damage to windows, doors, and various glass objects. However, all those losses are now compensated,” said Prof Sharma while laughing.
Her mother, Asha Lata Sharma, manages the household, whilst her elder brother works as a computer engineer in Indore.
According to her coach Lokesh Chaudhary, Vaishnavi has displayed fighting spirit since her early days. “She is one of those who never give up. If she decides to do something, she will keep at it until she achieves it,” coach Chaudhary remarks.
At the BCCI Sports Awards in Hyderabad on Jan 23, 2024, Vaishnavi received Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy for Best Woman Cricketer in the 2022-23 junior domestic season.