EXCLUSIVE: “I Want To Play The Best Knock Of My Life In A World Cup Final And Win It For My Country”- Vrinda Dinesh

For Vrinda Dinesh, cricket has never been just about runs or records—it has been a journey of challenges, resilience, and constantly proving herself. 

In Part 2 of the two-part conversation with Women’s CricInsight, the talented 23-year-old sheds light on her rise through Karnataka’s age-group structure, the transition to senior cricket and eventually donning the India jersey was anything but smooth. 

Each step, each challenge, only made her stronger.

“Playing age-group cricket is really important. That’s where a player truly shapes up,” Vrinda reflects. From a young cricketer finding her footing among unfamiliar teammates to an established domestic batter, her growth has been built on adaptability and learning from every game.

At every level, she encountered new styles of play, fresh perspectives, and teammates she didn’t initially know but eventually bonded with.

“You progress, get exposed to different ideas, different teammates. You enter a team where you don’t have friends, but by the end, you’ve made them.” More than just the technical aspects of the game, age-group cricket instilled in her an ability to adjust, to compete, and to embrace the constant evolution of her game.

Her time with Karnataka, India A, and the Challenger Trophy has been a process of continual growth. “Every tournament I’ve played, in some way or another, has helped me improve,” she says.

If there is one thing Vrinda speaks about with unmistakable warmth, it is Karnataka cricket. “It feels like home,” she says, emphasizing the comfort she finds within the team. The robust domestic structure in Karnataka has played a crucial role in her development, providing not only opportunities but also a culture of support and learning.

Every cricketer has a number they wear with pride, and for Vrinda, it’s 33—though not by initial choice. “I wasn’t picked in the initial Karnataka squad that year, but I was called up for the knockouts. Since I wasn’t in the original squad, I didn’t get my preferred number and ended up with 33.” 

As fate would have it, that very tournament turned out to be a breakthrough one for her. “I had a really good season, so I just stuck with it.” What started as an incidental selection turned into an identity—a reminder of her perseverance and ability to rise when given the chance.

“Without challenges, you don’t get stronger” – Vrinda Dinesh

The road from junior cricket to the senior domestic circuit wasn’t without its share of hurdles. “There were times when I scored but wasn’t picked, and times when I didn’t score but was picked,” she says. “I had to wait for my turn at various levels, whether for Karnataka or India A.”

Each step forward brought a new challenge, but rather than seeing them as roadblocks, Vrinda treated them as fuel. “Without challenges, you don’t get stronger. Every obstacle is a test, and I’ve always tried to beat them. The only way to do that is to go back to your game, work hard, and keep moving forward.”

If there was one moment that changed the trajectory of Vrinda’s career, it was the ACC Emerging Asia Cup. The moment she received the call-up, everything else faded into the background.

“I wasn’t part of the initial squad, but two games in, I got a call. The coach said, ‘Vrinda, just be ready, you might be coming to Hong Kong.’ My heart stopped. That’s all you ever dream of—wearing the India jersey.”

In the ACC Emerging Asia Cup final, Vrinda Dinesh showcased her composure under pressure, scoring a gritty 36 off 29 balls to help India secure a crucial win over Bangladesh. Coming in at a pivotal moment, she steadied the innings with a mix of resilience and aggression, ensuring India maintained momentum in a tense chase. 

Her knock, laced with well-placed boundaries and sharp running between the wickets, proved instrumental in steering India to victory, highlighting her ability to deliver in high-stakes matches.

Thrown into the high-pressure final, she had little time to process the emotions. “I was nervous. I just kept listening to devotional songs and praying I wouldn’t mess it up for the country,” she recalls. “Playing for India is an entirely different feeling. There’s energy, pressure, and immense motivation.”

That tournament, playing for India, wasn’t just about the runs or the result—it was the moment she knew she belonged. “It was an incredible feeling. The energy, the responsibility, the weight of the colors—it was all real.”

The Emerging Asia Cup became her defining moment. “That tournament turned things around for me,” she says without hesitation. For Vrinda Dinesh, the Emerging Asia Cup was more than just a tournament. It was her turning point, the moment she stepped onto the bigger stage and proved, once again, that she was ready for the next challenge.

Cricket is as much a mental battle as it is a physical one. For Vrinda Dinesh, maintaining composure under pressure, visualizing success, and drawing inspiration from past moments all play a part in her journey. While she acknowledges the power of mental conditioning, she approaches it in a way that suits her personality—balancing visualization with staying in the moment.

In an era where sports psychology and mental preparation are becoming as crucial as technical skills, Vrinda admits she dabbles in certain aspects but doesn’t fully immerse herself in them. “It’s not exactly my cup of tea, but I try to manifest,” she shares.

She does visualize scenarios—placing herself in high-pressure moments, imagining her responses—but she also recognizes the downside. “Such things come with a lot of anxiety and nervousness, so I do it in limits. I try to stick to just going with it.” There’s a fine balance between mental preparation and overthinking, and she prefers to stay on the side of instinct and flow.

Her approach is a mix of structured preparation and letting the game unfold naturally. It’s about readiness, but without the weight of expectation clouding her mind.

Like many young cricketers, Vrinda’s perception of women’s cricket shifted after witnessing one defining knock—Harmanpreet Kaur’s breathtaking 171* against Australia in the 2017 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup semi-final. That innings was more than just a brilliant performance; it was a statement.

“The way she took on the bowlers, the number of sixes she hit—I mean, when I looked at her at that particular time, I felt like doing that. I wanted to hit sixes and win games for my country just like that.”

For Vrinda, and countless others, that innings was a turning point. It was proof that women’s cricket had arrived, that the boundaries of what was possible had expanded. The fearless brand of cricket Harmanpreet displayed didn’t just inspire—it set a new standard.

“The perception of how girls have taken up cricket has changed ever since that particular knock,” she acknowledges. Young players now grow up knowing that audacious stroke play, aggressive intent, and match-winning performances are not exceptions—they are expectations.

Amidst the grind of domestic and international cricket, certain moments stand out—personal triumphs that serve as markers of progress. For Vrinda, her first century for Karnataka in 2021 remains one of her most treasured achievements.

“That hundred came after a very long time, and so yeah, that is one big moment that I celebrate,” she says with a sense of pride.

Beyond that, she looks back fondly on the stepping stones of her career—playing for India A, representing the Emerging squad, and competing in the Challenger Trophy. “These are all small boxes that I have ticked in the last few years, and these are the things I’m very happy about.”

For any cricketer, success is never an isolated achievement. Behind every milestone, there’s a strong support system—family, coaches, mentors, and even friendships that shape the journey. For Vrinda Dinesh, this foundation has been instrumental in her growth, both on and off the field.

Vrinda speaks with warmth and gratitude about the unwavering support of her family. “The kind of support I get from home is on another level,” she says, acknowledging the small yet significant ways in which her parents contribute to her cricketing journey.

Her mother, always ensures that she’s well-fed and prepared for the day, and her father, who gives her the freedom to chase her dreams, creates an environment where she can focus solely on her game.

“Whenever I have to pack for a tournament, I just tell my mom, ‘Put this, this, this for wash,’ and my dad, ‘Please do this.’ These little things—they make me happy. It’s something that I want to keep doing, just to see them happy.”

But beyond family, there have been mentors who have played a pivotal role in shaping her career. One name that stands out is Kiran Uppoor, her coach. “He’s played a major role in my career. The complete transition in my game has happened because of him,” she shares.

Vrinda recalls how she once approached him, uncertain about how to progress in her career. “I told him, ‘This is who I want to become,’ but I didn’t know how to go about it. It was him who guided me—how to think, how to train, how to approach the game.”

Her trainer has also been a key figure, constantly pushing her beyond her limits. “He always makes sure that I’m not just where I am, but that I keep moving forward.” For Vrinda, the combined efforts of her family, coach, and trainer form the backbone of her cricketing journey.

Amidst the highs and lows of a professional career, words of wisdom from mentors often provide the much-needed anchor. For Vrinda, one piece of advice from her coach stands out.

“He always tells me, ‘There will be a lot of ups and downs, and you cannot always glide. Cricket is an unpredictable game. All you have to do is stay focused, be disciplined, and put in the work.’”

That perspective has shaped her approach to the game—one where she accepts the uncertainties while ensuring that she remains committed to the grind.

With an already impressive domestic career, the natural progression for Vrinda is to don the senior Indian jersey. She is clear-eyed about what it takes.

“Every time I play a game—whether it’s for Karnataka, for the Under-23s, or at the senior level—I try to win as much as possible so that when I get to the senior team, I’m able to do the same there.”

She knows that the challenges will only get tougher, whether it’s facing express pace, handling tricky spin, or thriving in difficult match situations. “All these things, I’ve been working on during domestic games and at home, ensuring that I’m ready when the opportunity comes.”

Cricket is often described as a lonely sport, but friendships within the game can make the journey more meaningful. Vrinda shares a close bond with Shreyanka Patil, a friendship that has spanned over a decade.

“We met before either of us had made the state team,” she recalls. “It was during selection games, and we were just discussing among ourselves, ‘Maybe you’ll get in, maybe I’ll get in, or maybe next year.’”

Since then, they have trained together, pushed each other, and watched each other evolve. “I’ve seen the hours of work she has put in—the sheer quality and quantity of training she does.”

With Shreyanka now an India player, Vrinda often turns to her for insights. “Whenever she’s back from a tour, I go and pester her with questions—‘How was the World Cup? What did you learn?’” Having someone close who has already experienced the international stage has been a valuable resource in her own development.

Every cricketer aspires to leave behind a legacy, and for Vrinda, it’s all about delivering on the grandest stage. “I want to play the best knock of my life in a World Cup final—and win it,” she declares. It’s a dream that fuels her hard work, a vision she manifests every time she steps onto the field.

Until then, she continues to tick off the small milestones, knowing that every step forward is one closer to that ultimate goal.

With a new season ahead, Vrinda is looking forward to donning the UP Warriorz colours and giving the fans a spectacle. “I’m thrilled to have such a wonderful community behind me. Your love and energy bring out the best in us. Be ready for a season packed with loads of entertainment brought to you by us.”

For Vrinda Dinesh, the journey is still unfolding. With her family behind her, her mentors guiding her, and a decade-long friendship keeping her grounded, she is well on her way to carving her own legacy in the cricketing world.

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