Good to see the way Indian fans encourage women cricketers: Deandra Dottin

Deandra Dottin , one of the superstars in women’s cricket, was in Vadodara recently to play for Gujarat Giants in a women’s cricket league. The West Indian all-rounder, who was the first woman cricketer to score a century in T20 internationals, tells us, “I thoroughly enjoyed playing at the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) stadium in Kotambi, where the facilities were excellent. Also, it is good to see the way Indian fans encourage women cricketers. It’s fantastic to see that women’s cricket has evolved so much since the time I started playing the game. Finally, it is getting the kind of attention it deserves and people are coming to the stadium to watch our matches. What more can a professional cricketer ask for? When fans come to watch you play and your matches are televised, you feel that you deserve to be here. There is no better feeling than that!”

She adds, “During our stay in Vadodara, we visited the Laxmi Vilas Palace and had a nice conversation with Radhikaraje Gaekwad from the Baroda royal family. I quite liked the city. What I love the most about India is that no matter which city you travel to, people make you feel welcomed. Although I am a big foodie, I find Indian food a bit spicy. No chillies for me (laughs), but I manage to find non-spicy food too.”

‘Pressure never bothers me; I play my natural game’

Deandra, who landed a ₹1.70 crore deal at the auction for the league, has often been compared to Chris Gayle for their similar playing styles. And while Gayle calls himself Universe Boss, Deandra calls herself World Boss. Asked about it, she laughs, “I gave myself that name and it’s pretty nice, isn’t it? Before I took up cricket professionally, I used to represent Barbados in athletics, especially javelin throw and shot put. I was doing pretty well and creating new records in athletics. That’s how that name came about (smiles). However, there came a time when schedules of athletics and cricket were clashing, and I had to choose one. It has been a wonderful journey.”

Asked about coping with the pressure of expectations and comparisons with Gayle, she says, “I enjoy performing under pressure and it doesn’t really bother me. I just play my natural game and trust my ability.”