Gwalior’s Anushka Sharma earns maiden India T20 call-up

Indore: Madhya Pradesh cricketer Anushka Sharma has earned her maiden call-up for India women's T20I squad for the upcoming five-match series against South Africa, marking a proud moment for the state's cricketing circuit. Anushka will join fellow MP cricketer Kranti Goud in the squad. The 22-year-old all-rounder from Gwalior is currently representing India A, and has already made a strong impression in the Women's Premier League with Gujarat Giants. Picked for Rs 45 lakh, she delivered notable performances with both bat and ball, becoming the first player from Gwalior to feature in the league. Her consistent showing in domestic cricket, the WPL, and the Asia Cup played a key role in her selection. Anushka trained at the Shivpuri Cricket Academy, and is known for her discipline and steady work ethic. She began playing cricket around the age of 13 to 14, though her serious pursuit of the sport took shape over the last three to four years, especially after attending a summer camp that deepened her understanding of the game. "A coach at a summer camp suggested we train her in cricket as she was a gifted player," Anushka's father Brij Mohan Sharma told TOI. Family support has been central to her growth. Her mother, Neelam Sharma, and elder brother, Ayush Sharma, played key roles, with Ayush first spotting her interest in cricket when the siblings began playing together on their home terrace, a simple start that has now led her to the national stage. On Tuesday, she was felicitated at Gwalior airport by CM Mohan Yadav for earning a place in the senior national side. Her selection has brought a wave of celebration across Gwalior, with friends, family members, and fellow players sharing in the moment. Her journey includes representing her division, playing Under-19 cricket, and serving as captain for three years. One missed opportunity still lingers, as she could not take part in the first Under-19 World Cup due to its postponement during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her father said she has always been focused and self-motivated. "She was very happy after the selection and is ready to fulfil any responsibility given to her," he said.