By Sadasivam Kalaiyarasi from Kilinochchi has been selected to the country’s under-19 squad, becoming the first Tamil girl to enter the national cricket team.
It was her father who encouraged this young girl to play cricket despite the harsh conditions in the former war zone.
Speaking to the Hindu her coach Jeevarathinam Priyadharshan gave a running commentary on his daughter’s performance.
“She is a formidable pace bowler, very consistent and confident. More recently, her batting has also improved a lot. I see her attempting leg-side shots that I play, and they are getting better by the day,” says the proud mentor. “In a zonal match held earlier this week, she hit what, six sixes?” he asks her student. “Seven, sir,” she gently corrects him.
Kalaiyarasi is just 16 and she has a good three years to join the national team.
