It was a sensational spell of 5/15 by left-arm tweaker Rajeshwari Gayakwad which helped the Indian eves qualify for the semi-final of the recently concluded ICC Women’s World Cup. If the all-rounder hadn’t bowled India to a comprehensive victory in the must win clash against the Black Caps, then we might not have witnessed arguably the greatest knock in the Women’s World Cup and undoubtedly in the top bracket even if you consider men’ cricket.
She bowled with guile and bagged crucial wickets during the tournament. Barring her 5 wicket haul, Gayakwad also bagged 4 wickets against Sri Lanka. Despite her performance, Gayakwad still dreams of having a place of her own while they are presently residing in a rented house. Her father died of cardiac arrest in 2014 while watching India’s clash against the Windies at Bangalore in 2014. He left behind his wife and 5 daughters and ever since her father’s demise, Gayakwad has become the sole earning member of the family.
Making her international debut in 2014, she has appeared for the national team in 30 ODI’s, 13 T20I’s ad a solitary Test. In the 50 overs format, she has a brilliant record and has bagged 54 wickets at an impressive average of 16.51 and an economy of 3.9.
Gayakwad stays in the Vijaypura district of Karnataka and after her inspired performance in the World Cup many fans keep on flocking her house but her house is not enough space to accommodate all the visitors.
Currently staying in Nehru Nagar, Gangbvadia Gayakwad’s mother Savitha recalled the fact that there have been many times when they had to change their residence since Rajeshwari’s birth. “We have been continuously changing houses. My daughter is a successful international cricketer but we still don’t own a house,” Savita said.
The Indian Women’s team performed brilliantly all through the tournament and qualified for the final for only the 2nd time in their history after 2005. It was a team performance by the Indian eves and each one had to play a role in achieving a successful result in the tournament. No one really gave them a chance coming into the tournament so reaching the final will be a special moment for all of them.