The inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) has kicked off in full force, as Day 2 of the tournament witnessed two nail biters that went right down to the last over. In the second game of the day, it was the UP Warriorz who triumphed over the Gujarat Giants. One of the heroes of the match was young batter Kiran Navgire who gave the Warriorz a great platform by scoring a 50 after they lost their first 3 wickets early while chasing.
As Navgire was batting, cameras caught the youngster’s bat which had the words MSD 07 written on it, instead of any sponsor. This was because MS Dhoni was the idol of the Nagaland batter while growing up. Now, after her innings, an old interview of Kiran Navgire has emerged where she can be seen explaining how MS Dhoni had insired her even when she was not playing cricket.
“Cricket to pata bhi nahi tha jab Dhoni sir ko follow kar rahi thi. I didn’t know much about the World Cup 2011, where it was happening or if India were in the final. I was a kid then and hardly had any idea about the game. So, the game was being watched at my home also. I asked my brothers about it and they said it’s the World Cup final and India playing against Sri Lanka,” Navgire said in the interview.
“The innings he [MS Dhoni] played and the six he hit to finish the game; those things still impress me. I also wish to hit sixes like him. If I’m batting, irrespective of the innings, six maarne se mujhe bahut confidence aata hai (if I hit a six, it gives me immense confidence), and I feel that I’ll score good runs. Isiliye best hain wo (That’s why Dhoni is best),” she added.
Coming back to the game, Gujarat Giants batted first and scored 169, with Harleen Deol top scoring with 46. Chasing the score, UP Warriorz lost the three wickets of Alyssa Healy, Shwetha Sehrawat and Tahlia McGrath within the first 3 overs. Kiran Navgire then stabilized the innings with a 43-ball 53. However, it was Grace Harris who smashed a 36-ball 59 who guided the Warriorz to a thrilling 3-wicket win.
