New Delhi, 23 August 2023: The Delhi Capitals Men’s and Women’s teams recently carried out an off-season camp in the Delhi NCR region. The camp, which was conducted under the watchful eyes of the franchise’s Director of Cricket Sourav Ganguly, consisted of nine players from each of the Delhi Capitals Men’s and Women’s teams.
Speaking on the sidelines of the camp, DC off-spinner Minnu Mani narrated the story of how she felt before making her India debut against Bangladesh in July, “I didn’t expect to play all matches in the T20I series. I couldn’t believe it when I was named in the eleven for the first game of the series. I was so excited to get the opportunity and it was great to receive my India cap from Smriti Mandhana.”
Mani, who is part of the Indian squad for the upcoming Asian Games, further added, “I was slightly nervous when I started bowling. I got hit for a six and a four, and then Harmanpreet shared some thoughts with me. I felt comfortable on the field after the two hits (laughs).”
The off-spinner is the first woman from Kerala to play cricket for India. When asked about the special feat, Mani said, “My India debut will certainly inspire many girls in Kerala. I dreamt of becoming the first woman from Kerala to represent India and that dream has come true.”
However, the road to the Indian team hasn’t been easy. Speaking about her journey, Mani expressed, “I practised cricket and carried out my studies in Kerala Cricket Association’s Cricket Academy from 9th grade until my graduation. But, post my graduation, I had to cover a long distance to reach my training ground from my home. I was travelling three hours a day. and my family found it difficult to provide for my travel requirements as well. However, all the hard work has paid off now.”
The off-spinner also received a special gesture from her hometown – Wayanad following her India debut. Mani expressed that she feels proud to receive the gesture.
“Whenever I used to go for practice, I used to cross the main junction of our town. And now that junction is called Minnu Mani junction. I feel very proud and happy to see a junction named after me,” the off-spinner signed off.
Please find the link to the video of Minnu Mani’s interview here: https://we.tl/t-
For further details, please contact:
Suprita Das | [email protected]
Rohan Pathak | [email protected] | +91 97690 26588
About DELHI CAPITALS
The Delhi Capitals team participates in both, the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Co-owned by the GMR Group and the JSW Group, Delhi Capitals was established in 2008 as Delhi Daredevils before embracing a new avatar in 2019. In 2020, the team reached its first ever final. In 2023, Delhi Capitals became one of the five founding teams to participate in the Women’s Premier League. The team reached the final in the inaugural edition of the tournament.
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