Keerthi James became interested in cricket after witnessing her older brother play it on television. She began playing the game when she was eight years old. It had been 17 years since then.
In India, women's cricket was not quite as glamorous as it is now. The game was not well received in Kerala.
Kerala's female cricketers are now aspiring to play for India. Keerthi, for one, does. She's one step closer to realising her ambition. She was recently named to the Velocity squad for the Women's T20 Challenge, which is regarded as a prelude to a women's IPL.
Keerthi is the first player from Kerala to be selected for this high-profile competition, which will feature India's best cricketers as well as international players. Its fourth iteration begins on May 23 in Pune.
“I was delighted when I was told that I was selected for the tournament,” Keerthi says. “It feels great to know that I am going to be part of an event that features the elite of international women’s cricket.”
The Thiruvananthapuram-born off-spinner believes that such exposure will help her improve as a cricketer. “You need to play in tournaments like these to improve as a player,” she explains. “I was hopeful of getting picked as I have been doing rather well this season.”
For numerous years, she has been successful on the domestic circuit. She has been credited for helping Kerala progress dramatically in the BCCI events.
“Kerala team has come a long way since I made my debut,” she says.
“I may be the only player that has made it to the Women’s T20 Challenge, but there are quite a few who are capable of that. The various tournaments the Kerala Cricket Association conducts, especially these last few years, certainly has helped.”
