The USA team, led by Monank Patel, has arrived in Mumbai, gearing up for the T20 World Cup set to kick off on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. Among them is 15-year-old fast bowler Rhea Nadkarni, who is already creating unforgettable memories in this bustling metropolis. Standing tall at 5’9”, Rhea, a ninth-grade student, began her cricket journey at just eight years old, inspired by her father Sushil, a former opener for Maharashtra’s Ranji Trophy team, and her older brother Aarin, 19.
During the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) Speed Queen selection trials at the Air India ground in Kalina on January 26, Rhea made headlines by clocking an impressive 65 mph (100 kmph), making her the fastest bowler in the U-19 category.
Reflecting on her trial experience, Rhea shared, “I was taken aback by the number of girls at the trials, which made me a bit anxious since we were unsure about what to expect. I initially thought I would bowl between 58 to 60 mph, but my spike got stuck, and I only managed 52 mph. However, one of the selectors, Khyati Gulani, noticed my good action and mechanics and gave me another chance in a different net. I improved to 63 mph, then 64, and finally hit 65 mph, which was a huge achievement for me.”
Rhea dedicates two to three hours daily to practice and plays matches on weekends back in Houston. “Fast bowling has always been my passion. My idol is South Africa’s Shabnim Ismail, the fastest bowler in the world, and I aspire to reach her level. My primary goal is to join the USA senior women’s team to qualify for the WPL. I’ve been training in fast bowling with former Sri Lankan Test pacer Sujeewa de Silva for the past year and a half,” she explained.
Her immediate focus is the final trials scheduled for Monday (February 2) in Mumbai. “I’m uncertain about my chances of selection, given the number of talented girls from all over the country, but I’m determined to give it my all.”
Rhea’s father, Sushil, who also played for India U-19 before moving to the USA in 1999, shared how the family decided to bring Rhea to the WPL trials. “We learned about the trials just two weeks before and sent her bowling videos to the organizers. Once her videos were selected, we felt it was a great opportunity for her, especially given her fast bowling skills,” he revealed.
“I anticipated Rhea would clock between 63 and 65 mph because she achieves that in the USA. Seeing her emerge as the fastest bowler here was incredibly rewarding, confirming her talent,” Sushil added, noting that Rhea began impressing older boys with her speed and precision at just 12 years of age.