Vrinda Dinesh: From Playing Gully Cricket To Landing 1.30 Cr WPL Deal

Vrinda Dinesh, the latest sensation in women's cricket, has set the stage ablaze with a career-changing deal in the Women's Premier League (WPL) auction. Inspired by cricket stars Virat Kohli and Meg Lanning, she bagged a staggering INR 1.30 crore deal with UP Warriorz on December 9 in Mumbai. Vrinda Dinesh's cricketing journey began at the age of 13 when her passion for the sport, nurtured through gully cricket matches with boys, led her father to enrol her in a summer camp. This marked the beginning of her cricket journey, setting the stage for a remarkable trajectory in the years to come.

Subsequently, in December 2018, Vrinda crossed paths with her current mentor, coach Kiran Uppoor, at the NICE Academy in Bengaluru. Although she initially secured a spot in the Karnataka team during that season, subsequent seasons proved challenging to retain her place. Undeterred, she embraced the learning curve that accompanies the unpredictability of competitive cricket.

A Record-Breaking Journey

Having stepped into the limelight as a replacement for fast bowler S Yashasri in the Emerging Asia Cup, Vrinda showcased her talent in the Women’s Senior T20 Trophy. With an impressive tally of 211 runs at an average of 35.17 and a strike rate of 154.01 for Karnataka, her hard work over the last two years bore fruit.

Vrinda's journey continued to break records as she made 348 runs from six matches in the Women’s Senior One Day Trophy, including two hundreds and two fifties. This outstanding performance made her the second-highest-paid uncapped Indian player at the WPL auction, following in the footsteps of Kashvee Gautam.

While Vrinda couldn't hold back her emotions after the life-changing auction deal, her father, S Dinesh, expressed happiness and surprise at the unexpected turn of events. Despite being a former club-level cricketer, he advocated a step-by-step approach for Vrinda, who has steadily emerged as a prolific scorer over the past two seasons.

Focused Training And Mentorship

As Vrinda steps into the limelight, her mentors emphasize the need for balance and focus amidst newfound attention and financial success. Recognizing the pressure that comes with such achievements, her family and coaches aim to provide unwavering support, guiding her through the challenges that lie ahead.

Vrinda's commitment to her craft is evident in her rigorous training routine, including long hours at the academy working on her skills. Coach Uppoor highlights her sincerity and work ethic, emphasizing their shared goal of keeping her focused and ensuring that success at an early age becomes a source of inspiration rather than a distraction.

With the world now taking note of Vrinda's consistent performances, the focus is on maintaining her maturity and dedication to the sport. Emerging from a humble background, she carries the hopes of many aspiring cricketers and aims to use her success as a stepping stone to even greater achievements in the world of women's cricket.