'Want to Play for India': Uncapped Kashvee Gautam Eyeing Prized Wickets of Alyssa Healy in WPL 2024

As many as 30 cricketers, including 9 overseas, found buyers at the Women’s Premier League (WPL) mini-auction on Saturday in Mumbai.

A couple of uncapped players hit the pay dirt and one of them is Chandigarh’s Kashvee Gautam who bagged a lucrative deal worth INR 2 Crore from the Gujarat Giants. Gautam, who went unsold in last year’s mega auction, impressed with her pinch-hitting and sharp seam bowling finally got her due. She bagged a hat-trick in a one-dayer for Chandigarh against Arunachal Pradesh in the women’s domestic U19 competition.

As the 20-year-old all-rounder is set to represent the GG, owned by Adani Sportsline, she says the wicket of Australian opener Alyssa Healy will bring her most joy in the upcoming edition.

“It’s quite unbelievable at the moment. I was travelling in the team bus after practice and was informed about the auction by a teammate. The amount kept rising and I was selected.

“It’s a huge opportunity for me to showcase my skills. We have always looked up to Mithali ji. It’s a great opportunity for me to interact with her and seek tips from her,” said Gautam, referring to Giants mentor Mithali Raj, who was at the auction table.

Speaking about the players she is excited about bowling to, Gautam said, “I think Alyssa Healy or any other foreign batter like Hayley Matthews.”

Gautam is also hoping that a good outing in WPL will lead to an India debut.

“I think teams need to be more impactful in the lower middle order batting. They need to accelerate in the last 3-4 overs, so I have practised accordingly. I have worked on range hitting. I have to be flexible with my bowling, to be able to bowl well with both the new and old balls.”

“When you start off, there are a few doubts that creep in, but as and when you start growing, you begin reaping the rewards of your hard work. The picture is clear to me now. I know I want to go on and play for India and perform well there,” said Gautam.