Exclusive Interview: "There should be an inter school program for girls", says Snehal Pradhan

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The former indian women's cricketer Snehal Pradhan joins Deep Mehta in a short chat. She speaks about life,  and development of women's cricket here:

After retiring from cricket, now you actively blog on cricket. What provoked that decision? Tell us something about it.

I always used to like writing since school. It is like a natural progression to be connected with the game. I used to write during my playing days as well. I started writing after my debut for India.

When did you start playing school cricket and who motivated you to do so?

I used to like cricket from my childhood itself. Before anybody taught me how to play cricket, I used to pick up a bat and run around the house. Then later I started playing Cricket in school with the boys. My grandmother was very keen on making me take up a sport actively and participate in it. She first introduced me to Mrs. Subhangi Kulkarani and took me to the place where the Maharashtra team practices and then I started playing with them. Until then I used to play with the boys.

When did you decide to take up cricket as a profession?

I decided upon that probably in the third year, during my education. Then, I regularly represented Maharashtra and India Under-21. I went for a Western Railways trial camp and I got selected. After tha, I thought and decided to make it full time.

So, if not cricket then what would it be?

I don’t know. Probably would have done engineering and ended up doing something not related to engineering. (laughs)

Who was your role model and why?

I really look up to Jhulan Goswami. When she made her debut, I watch the entire series on television and was really impressed by the way she bowled and how she burst into the scene. I dreamt of making my debut with her one day. She has been my role model ever since. Even when I got into Cricket and got to meet her in person, my respect for her increased even more.

According to you what measures should be taken by the BCCI to promote Women’s cricket in the country?

The current administration system has made some good moves such as increasing the number of tournaments. They have started in the right direction. A couple of steps need to be taken at both levels- grass root levels. Firstly, there should be an inter school program for girls- only a few states run them in big cities. School teams should also be encouraged. Also, the Under 16 tournament needs to be re-introduced. It was in existence before the BCCI took control. But since BCCI took control, it has been abandoned. Under 16 was a major factor contributing to India’s success in the pre- BCCI period. Comparatively, we have not had that much success after that. Thirdly, I highlighted this in one of my articles that Indian female cricketers should be allowed to play in the foreign domestic leagues like the Women’s Big Bash league. And if the Women’s Super Cricket League in England starts next year, we should send our players there.

Virat Kohli recently mentioned that IPL has taken away our home advantage. So we can do the same by playing in their tournaments and by taking away their home advantage.

Almost a decade after taking up governance of women’s cricket in India, BCCI has proposed annual retainers for international women cricketers. Do you think lack of attention to women cricketers was primarily due to lack of interest in developing the system by previous regimes?

Well this administration has definitely shown a clear difference in their intent and they have taken action. This has brightened the look of scheme of things in Women’s cricket. Commitment towards Women’s cricket has been observed recently.

What was your instant reaction after you were banned from bowling due to an illegal bowling action?

I was obviously disappointed. But I got a clear idea of what I needed to do and when. So it was a frustrating period for me that showed me who I am and who my real friends are. I was doing well in the Indian team so it was even more disappointing for me. But then I planned and told myself that I have to get over it.

Who helped you in the remedial process and in making a comeback to the team?

A lot of people helped me. Jhulan herself was supportive. She always used to check things and how the progress was going. The coaches of the BCCI and all the administrators supported me. But the most important were family friends and mentors. Without them it would not have been possible.

Mithali Raj has been an exceptional leader and has performed consistently over the years. What are your thoughts about her?
How to get her out? (Laughs). Whenever I think about her that is the only thing that comes to my mind. On the field, she is almost like MS Dhoni appears. She does not talk a lot and does not show emotion. She is pretty cool on the field and lets her bat do the talking most of the time.

I remember one incident- when she prepared herself before a World cup game in 2009. The way she prepared her bag – so meticulously and religiously. “Work is Worship”- this has been her attitude. She showed a lot of respect for the jersey and for the game.

Which is your most favorite spell and why?

It came in the last season when we played against the Railways. We beat for the first time. So the match went down to the super over. I bowled it and finally we won it.

Being a fast bowler what advice would you like to give to budding fast bowlers about fitness?

Yes. Take up batting because with fast bowling, injuries are bound to happen. And every time they happen, you have to be ready to face them and make sure they do not happen again. It requires lot of discipline and sticking to the schedule even if you have been doing the same exercise for a long time.

If you are ready for all that, you can try fast bowling.

We have our special set of 21 Questions in the rapid fire round. Are you ready?
Bring them on!

Describe yourself in one word.

Honest.

What is your idea of a perfect holiday?

Outdoors- Hiking and swimming.

What is the most important lesson that life taught you?

To let go of fear. Fear does not let you become what you want to.

Favourite song?

‘Daughters’ by John Mayer

Favorite fictional hero?

Hercules.

Best cricketing moment on field?

That super over.

What is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen?

My brother's baby being born.

If you had an option to edit your past, what would you like to change?

The entire suspect bowling action incident.

One characteristic that sets you apart from others?

I don’t know. I will have to ask the others.

If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?

None.

What is your all time favourite movie?

Tom Cruise movies, Dil Chahta hai.

One goal you wanted to achieve in your career?

Winning the national championship.

What has been your biggest disappointment?

Again the suspect bowling action that I could not prevent it.

Most embarrassing moment in your life?

When I fall down in my bowling stride.

Hardest thing you ever had to do?

Physical fitness for being a fast bowler.

What would be the hardest thing for you to give up on?

Non vegetraian food. Recently, I gave it up.

Your nickname?

Poppy.

Best mate?

School friends.

Funniest moment?

There are a few catches I laugh about. Acrobatic catches.

Tests, ODIs or T20s?

T20. I like the pressure there. Even a dot ball is so valuable.

Most important thing for you in life?

To be at peace with myself.