Always wanted to be a cricketer: Raut
First Published : 15 Mar 2012, 11:24
Last Modified : 15 Mar 2012, 11:28
Mumbai, Mar 15: Still at a nascent stage in her international career. 22-year-old Poonam Raut has shown enough promise to warrant a place in the Indian women’s cricket team. Since making her debut in 2009, Raut’s progress has been steady, with three ODI fifties to her name. The next step for the talented batter is to reach the coveted three-figure mark.
The petite youngster revealed her fondness to play quick bowlers and a lot more in a brief chat with bcci.tv.
Excerpts:
On when she decided that she wanted to be a professional cricketer
I was 10-years-old when I decided that I will play cricket and play it very well.
On the challenges that she faced in the course of becoming a professional cricketer
I did not have to face any problems at home because I got a lot of support from home. But cricket is a challenging game in itself and that way I did have to face a few challenges like performing in different conditions. While studying in college there were a few challenges to manage both.
On her most memorable moment on the field
When I scored 50 runs against Pakistan in West Indies 2010 in a T20I match and I got the Player-of-the-Match. [That] is my most memorable day till now.
On family background related to cricket
My family likes cricket especially my Dad, he supports me a lot and it is because of their support that I am here today.
On what she would be doing if she wasn’t a cricketer
[Laughs] I have no idea what I would do if I didn’t play cricket. My only aim since childhood has been to play cricket. I was a big cricket fan since childhood. It was my dream to play for India and I had decided in my childhood itself that I will work hard and one day play for India.
On what does she like doing other than cricket
Everything I do is connected to cricket. I got my job also because of cricket, I work with the Western Railway and play for them.
On her favourite cricketers
Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid.
On whether she has interacted with them
I have met Sachin. When we were going for the T20 World Cup to the West Indies we met him. He shared a few experiences with us. He told us about the conditions there and such things.
On how she works on her fitness
Fitness is very important so I work on it regularly. In off-season I also give it the same amount of time I give to playing cricket. Both need to be given equal time and I do that.
On the bowler she would like to face
I like playing pace bowlers. I liked facing the Australian pacer Ellyse Perry.
