Houston-based fast bowler Rhea Nadkarni clocked an impressive 104.61 kmph to secure third place in the U-19 all-India final of the inaugural WPL Speed Queen contest at Islam Gymkhana in Mumbai. The 15-year-old had earlier topped the initial selection round at Kalina and expressed satisfaction with her performance while competing against some
Rhea Nadkarni with her dad Sushil at their Dadar home on Saturday. Pic/Shadab Khan
Houston-based fast bowler Rhea Nadkarni, 15, has made several trips to Mumbai to spend time with her grandfather Uday Ajgaonkar at his Dadar home in the past. Rhea, a Class IX student and tall cricketer (five-foot-nine) has also enjoyed several practice games at various maidans across the city during those visits. Her current visit though has ended up being extra-special for her and the family.
Pacer Rhea clocked an impressive 104.61 kmph to finish third in the U-19 all-India final round of the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) Speed Queen contest selection trials at Islam Gymkhana on Monday. Palak Singh from Nagpur (106 kmph) finished first, while Lucknow-based Anshika Yadav (105 kmph) stood second. Interestingly, Rhea had qualified for this final round by topping the initial selection round at the Air India ground in Kalina on January 26, clocking a similar 104.61 kmph.
Rhea Nadkarni during WPL Speed Queen final trials at Islam Gymkhana on Monday
“I’m grateful to win third place because all the girls were bowling very fast. Third position is good enough for me,” Rhea told mid-day on Monday. Competing with 40 pacers shortlisted for the final round, Rhea bowled one over initially, and later bowled a second over after making it to the top three positions. “It has been a great experience. I was a bit nervous at first, but then I picked up my game,” added Rhea who is aspiring to play for USA’s women’s team which will make her eligible for the WPL.
Meanwhile, Rhea’s father Sushil, who represented India U-19 and Maharashtra in the Ranji Trophy before shifting base to USA in 1999, was pleased with his daughter’s performance.
“Looking at the quality of the other two girls, they were definitely quicker, I’m satisfied with Rhea’s effort. She gave her best,” said Nadkarni Sr.
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