EXCLUSIVE: “Representing Your Nation At Any Stage Is A Very Proud Feeling”- Raghvi Bist

Youngster Raghvi Bist made headlines in the India A tour of Australia A and her inclusion has been nothing short of meteoric. Her journey from playing gully cricket with friends to securing a spot on a national squad exemplifies a remarkable tale of passion, resilience, and steadfast support from loved ones.

In the recently concluded one-day series against Australia A, Raghvi Bisht showcased prolific form with scores of 82, 70, and 53. As a reliable middle-order batter, she consistently bailed India A out of trouble, anchoring the innings on each occasion and proving to be a key player throughout the series.

Raghvi Bist also played a crucial role for India A in this unofficial Test, contributing with the bat. In the second innings, Bist’s resilient knock of 26 off 102 deliveries was vital in India A’s fight on Day 4, as she formed a crucial partnership with Uma Chetry, taking the team close to the target. Though her efforts ultimately fell short, Bist’s contributions were vital in keeping India A competitive throughout the match.

As she steps into the limelight with this achievement, Bist’s story highlights the unabashed dedication and drive that have propelled her from local playgrounds to the international stage.

In a freewheeling chat with Women’s CricInsight before the series, the youngster sheds light on her journey so far.

The Call-Up to the India A Squad

When Raghvi received the news of her inclusion in the India A team, she was at home, blissfully unaware of the monumental moment awaiting her. “I was at home around 6:30 or 6:40 PM when I got added to the WhatsApp group. Initially, I thought it was for a camp. Then, a message popped up congratulating me for the squad and it said ‘Congrats, Raghvi’ and I was wondering for what it was. There was this friend from the NCA camp itself,” she recalls with a smile.

The realization dawned slowly, and with it, a wave of happiness. “She told for the squad, for the India squad. I said, ‘Oh, is it for real?’ Thank you so much.”

Calling her mother first, Bist shared the joy of this dream come true. “Representing your nation at any stage is a very proud feeling and it is a dream come true moment for me. Everyone was happy for me. I called my mom first and she was extremely happy. My coach was very happy. Again, my friends said, ‘We were waiting for this.’ Everyone was very happy for me,” she says, reflecting on the pride and joy of this achievement.

Preparing for the Australian Challenge

As she prepares for the upcoming tour to Australia, Bist expresses a mix of excitement and nerves. “I’m a bit nervous but also excited. Australia offers great pitches for batting and bowling. I’m looking forward to the challenge and hope to make the most of this opportunity. It is very good for us and it will be challenging for all of us,” she shares. The prospect of facing such formidable opponents is daunting, but Bist’s preparation and mindset are geared towards embracing and overcoming these challenges.

Early Beginnings and Unwavering Support

Bist’s love for cricket began in the most unassuming way. “I used to play gully cricket with the boys during summer vacations. One day, I asked my mom to enrol me in an academy. I just want to learn cricket. I just want to play cricket. That is what I love the most. My parents always supported me for it,” she recounts.

Balancing academics and cricket was challenging but manageable, thanks to the support from her school and the joy she found in playing the sport she loved. Reflecting on this, “It is challenging a little bit. When I was in eighth standard, I started playing cricket. Then I used to go to school in the morning and I used to practice in the school itself. It wasn’t that difficult for me. I was doing the thing which I love the most. So it wasn’t that difficult.”

Her first memory of cricket involves watching and playing with both boys and girls at her academy. “It was men’s cricket itself. When I used to go to the academy, I used to play there with the boys, but I remember Mansi Joshi. She used to play there and practice. I saw her also. I’ve seen both men’s and women’s cricket growing up.”

Evolving as a Cricketer

Reflecting on her role as a cricketer and the evolving demands of the game: “I was always a batter all-rounder, I used to bowl. Again, I was always interested in batting. Actually, with the T20s coming up and also the one-day formats, bowling is an important option. We see how all-rounders are in demand. But for me, batting and bowling both will help maybe in the future. I think is when I can’t contribute in the batting, I can contribute in the bowling and fielding as well.” This dual capability not only allows her to provide versatility but also ensures that if her batting is not up to the mark, she can still make a significant impact through her bowling and fielding.

Inspirations and Challenges

Bist’s cricketing idols include Rohit Sharma and Smriti Mandhana. “I love Rohit Sharma’s batting and the aura he has is just commendable. So I love Rohit Sharma. In women’s cricket, it is Smriti Mandhana. She makes batting look very easy. I just admire her as a cricketer,” she said, drawing inspiration from their prowess.

Despite her current success, Bist has faced her share of challenges. Not being a part of the ICC Women’s Under-19 World Cup squad was a blow, but her coach’s encouragement helped her persevere. “I wasn’t (selected to be) a part of the Under 19 World Cup and that hit me on, I felt really bad about it. But then my coach pushed me that it was okay. If you’re not there, maybe there are God has planned something for you. I was very low at that moment. But then I realized, ‘Okay, I have a lot of future, a lot of cricket in future left for me.’ That is what I thought of concentrating on,” she reflected.

Bist expressed her deep sense of camaraderie and support for her friends who were part of the Indian cricket team that competed in the World Cup. Despite not being a member of the squad herself, she felt a profound connection and a sense of collective pride in their achievement. “There were a lot of friends in that team, I was rooting for them. I really wanted India to win the World Cup and that is what happened. I was very happy because it was our team. I know I wasn’t a part of that team, but it was our team.”

Balancing Cricket and Personal Life

In her free time, Raghvi Bist prefers watching movies rather than cricket videos. While cricket remains a central part of her life, she finds relaxation and enjoyment in cinema. Movies offer her a break from the intense focus and analysis associated with cricket. However, when it comes to reviewing her own performance, she does make an exception.

“I do watch videos, I do watch matches, but I’m not too much into it. Because in my free time, I just watch movies. I do watch my match videos and my batting videos. I don’t watch a lot of cricket,” she said. This balance helps her maintain a clear mind and focus on continuous improvement.

Representing Uttarakhand

Raghvi Bist’s tenure with Uttarakhand has been both fulfilling and transformative. She expresses a deep sense of pride in representing the region, highlighting the substantial talent present not only in men’s cricket but in women’s cricket as well. “Playing for Uttarakhand has always been a matter of pride for me. Not only in men’s but in women’s as well. The cricket here is very good. I’ve been a part of the teams which has evolved over the years,” Bist reflected. She observes a significant evolution in the region’s cricket scene over the years, noting the progress and development that has taken place.

Bist recalled a time when merely qualifying for tournaments was a celebrated achievement. “When we started off, we used to qualify, everybody was, ‘Yeah, they used to celebrate that and we have qualified’.” However, the shift in expectations has been remarkable. “But now the expectations, which we’ve changed, we also see how the perspective has changed. Now people think that, ‘Okay, the women’s team will bring the trophy here’.” This transformation from celebrating qualification to aiming for victory represents a substantial change in how women’s cricket is perceived and valued.

She values this change and acknowledges the growing expectations with enthusiasm. “I’ve personally enjoyed this thing, the evolution which has changed the perspective of the people which has changed over the years that, ‘Okay, they will win it for us.’ The experience has been very good. There is a lot of talent here.” This evolution has not only elevated the standards but also reinforced her belief in the potential and talent within Uttarakhand.

Advice for Aspiring Cricketers

Looking ahead, Bist offered advice to young aspiring cricketers. “I just want to tell people that enjoy this game because you love this game, that is why you’re playing it.” She emphasized the importance of maintaining a love for the game even as they consider their future in cricket.

“When you’ll come at a certain age around 20-21, then you’ll think about stuff ‘What will I do? Will I have a future in this or not?’ 

Despite these future concerns, she stresses the importance of enjoyment and continuous learning. “But young girls coming up, they should have a dream to play for India. That is valid enough. They should enjoy the game. They should learn every day because cricket teaches us every day. We should learn every day. So that is it. Just enjoy the game. That is the most important thing for me.”

Embracing Modern Challenges

Bist also acknowledges the growing infrastructure and support for women’s cricket in Uttarakhand. “Now that the craze has gone up for women’s cricket as well, there are academies and we have very good academies here in Uttarakhand which provide indoor and outdoor facilities as well.” This progress in facilities reflects the growing commitment to nurturing cricket talent in the region. “There is very good cricket here in Uttarakhand and the facilities are very good.”

Raghvi Bist’s close-knit group of friends has been a constant source of support throughout her cricketing journey. “I have a group of friends—Nandini, Nisha, Pooja, Jyoti, Neela—whom I’ve played with from the Under-19 days through to the senior team. We all played Under 23 together. Now we’re playing the seniors as well,” she says. Their camaraderie has been a cornerstone of her cricketing life, providing both emotional support and friendly competition.

Reflecting on the transition from Under-19 to senior cricket, Bist describes it as both challenging and exciting. “When my Under 19 stint got over, there was a feeling like that. ‘Now Under 19 is over, you need to really work hard to make a place in the side as well.’ So it was there was this feeling but again, senior cricket is different from the age group category. It is the challenges are there, but we are up for it,” she explains. The shift involved more intense preparation and a deeper understanding of the game’s demands.

The Turning Point

Raghvi Bist’s innings of 200 in the Under-19 tournament of 2022 stands out as a monumental achievement in her career. This remarkable feat, achieved during a crucial phase in her early cricketing journey, not only highlights her exceptional talent but also marks a significant milestone in her development as a cricketer.

“I’ve always talked about this to my friends, to people and our head coach. She was the one who made me believe in myself that I could score that 200. She was the one who told me you can, you can go and visualize that you’re scoring a 200 tomorrow and that is what happened. She helped me a lot in that also that visualization really helped me. So I visualised that I’m scoring a 200 tomorrow and that happened. It was a surreal feeling. But yes, I was just wiping my tears off when I scored a 200 and I couldn’t believe that I really scored a 200,” she recalls.

Bist’s performance in the Under-23 tournament included notable achievements. “In the T20s, we never qualified in the T20s. Till now, this year we qualified in the senior T20s, but in the under 20s, we haven’t qualified. We haven’t qualified in the Under 19 and also in the T20. So it was one thing that I had in my mind that we needed to win this T20. Yeah, so the T20 season was good for me, but we couldn’t make it to the finals and we couldn’t win it. But yeah, that was one memorable tournament that I had in the bowling and in the batting departments as well. The most memorable knock was against Bengal,” she says.

Her performance stands out as a significant highlight in her cricketing career, reflecting her determination and ability to perform under challenging conditions. Despite being unwell on the day of the match, Bist’s contribution was crucial to her team’s success.

On that day, Bist’s team managed to score approximately 132 to win, a total that proved to be competitive. The match was marked by Bist’s exceptional all-round performance. With the ball, she delivered a remarkable bowling spell that saw her claim three crucial wickets, which was pivotal in restricting the opposition to under 80 runs. Her ability to take key wickets under pressure demonstrated her skill and effectiveness as a bowler, even when not at her best physically.

At the same time, Bist made a valuable contribution with the bat, scoring 46 runs. These runs were significant, providing a solid foundation and helping her team to a winning position. Her ability to perform both with the bat and the ball, despite her illness, highlights her resilience and commitment to her team.

Bist recalls this match fondly, saying, “I took three wickets that day and scored some crucial 46 runs. So that was one match that I remember it was a very good match for me and for the team as well.” This reflection underscores the importance of this game in her career, marking it as a memorable and impactful performance that contributed to her team’s victory. The match stands as a testament to her capability to excel in both aspects of the game, even in less-than-ideal conditions, and highlights her role as a key player for her team.

Importance of Self-Belief 

One of the most enduring pieces of advice that Raghvi Bist carries with her is the importance of self-belief. Reflecting on her journey, Bist acknowledges a period in her career when self-doubt was a significant hurdle. “Just one thing that I had with myself was I never used to believe in myself,” she admits. This lack of confidence often led to moments of uncertainty, affecting her performance and overall mindset.

The pivotal change came from her coach, who played a transformative role in her approach to self-belief. Her coach encouraged her to recognize her own potential and capabilities, saying, “You should know that you’re the best and you can do it and you should believe in yourself because I do believe in you.” This reinforcement from her coach was not just about providing reassurance but also about instilling deep-rooted confidence in her own abilities.

Bist elaborates on how this advice has shaped her mindset: “There are times when you are low and you think that, ‘Okay, I can’t do it’, but then you have that person in your mind and then you think, ‘Okay, that person believes in me and so I should do this for her maybe’.” This inner dialogue, fueled by the belief her coach had in her, became a crucial anchor during challenging times. It served as a reminder of her worth and capability, even when external circumstances or self-doubt threatened to undermine her confidence.

The essence of this advice is that self-belief is not just a fleeting emotion but a consistent mindset that helps navigate both highs and lows in one’s career. Bist underscores this sentiment: “I have those things in my mind and this is one thing that I have in my mind always that you should believe in yourself, whether in your ups or in your downs. So you should have that confidence in yourself.” This advice has been fundamental in sustaining her confidence and drive, allowing her to push through difficulties and maintain her focus on achieving her goals.

Her Take on Modern Metrics

She offers a thoughtful perspective on modern cricket metrics, such as strike rates, and highlights the need to respect individual differences in player performance. She emphasizes that cricket is not a one-size-fits-all sport and that different players bring unique strengths to the table.

“There are different players. You can’t ask somebody to strike at 200 when she can not. Maybe she’s a very good striker of the ball and somebody can rotate the strike. One batter is rotating the strike and the other is the striker of the ball. So you can’t expect everybody to play the same way,” Bist says, illustrating the variance in playing styles and skills among cricketers. She explains that some players are exceptional at hitting high strike rates, while others excel in rotating the strike and accumulating runs through consistent, strategic play.

Bist elaborates on this by pointing out that one player’s ability to strike at 120, like herself, cannot be directly compared to another player’s strike rate of 200. “Maybe I can strike the ball at 120 and somebody else can strike it at 200,” she notes. This difference in striking capability does not diminish the value of either player’s contribution. Instead, it reflects the diverse skill sets that each player brings to the game.

The focus, according to Bist, should be on understanding and valuing these differences rather than imposing uniform expectations on all players. She emphasizes that, despite external opinions and pressures, what truly matters is the players’ self-awareness and commitment to their craft. “So we cannot question that and that is something that I personally don’t think that it bothers cricketers so much,” she explains.

Bist reassures that cricketers are well aware of their abilities and limitations, as they practice diligently and understand their roles within the team. “People do say things and if we as cricketers don’t take it to heart, we know what we are doing because we are practising every day and we know what we are doing,” she adds. This confidence in their preparation and understanding of their game is what truly guides their performance, rather than the external metrics and opinions.

Preparation and Process

Adapting to different formats is a challenge Bist embraces through preparation. “It is a challenge, but then again, if you’ve practised well, then it is not a challenge. It is not that difficult. When you’ve practised, you’ve done sessions according to the format, the change of the format, so you adapt to situations really well. It is just about adapting to the conditions and the mindset. Mindset is the most important thing. So that is what matters,” she notes.

Bist has shifted her focus from results to the process of improvement. “Previously, I just used to love the results and I used to forget the process. I used to every time think about the success, about the results and that is what affected my game. So it was better for me to focus more on the process and the results will follow. So now I follow the process and the results will automatically follow,” she explains.

Finding the Balance 

In the face of modern distractions and pressures, Bist remains motivated by her love for cricket. “I’m telling you that this is the thing which I love the most. So there are days when you think, ‘Okay, I shouldn’t do this’, but then I remind myself that you got to go, whether it be the downfall time or it is the most successful time you got to go and work. That is what you are trying to achieve something. You haven’t achieved anything right now. So to achieve that, you have to work every day. So that is my mindset.”

Bist emphasizes the importance of maintaining motivation through both good and bad times. Despite moments of doubt or the temptation to give up, she constantly reminds herself of her love for cricket and the need to persist. She acknowledges that achieving her goals requires consistent effort, regardless of whether she is experiencing a period of success or facing challenges. This dedication to working hard every day reflects her commitment to her long-term aspirations.

“Coming to the social media part, it is up to us how we use it to our advantage or disadvantage. So that is one thing. In today’s world, there is a lot of trolling and all of that. But again, if we as cricketers don’t take those things to our mind and heart, we are all right because we know what we are doing.”

Bist also addresses the role of social media in modern sports. She recognizes that social media can be both beneficial and detrimental. Trolling and negativity are prevalent, but she emphasizes the importance of not letting such criticisms affect her mindset. As athletes, they need to focus on their own goals and work, rather than being swayed by external negativity.

“Because we know what we are doing. So that is what matters the most and that is what we are used to it. We’re practising daily for the thing that we got to go there and perform.”

She highlights that their primary focus should be on their practice and performance. By sticking to their routines and preparing diligently, they stay aligned with their objectives. The essence of their work lies in consistent effort and self-belief, which is crucial for achieving their goals.

“We as cricketers think more than them that we got to go and perform there. We want that result. We want to win that World Cup or we want to win this match. So the public wants us to win. We know that they want us to win, but we want it as much as they want it. So that is one thing,” she asserts.

Role of Visualisations and Trusting the Process

Visualization has played a significant role in Bist’s preparation. “There was this one match in the NCA, which I didn’t perform well. I had Sunetra [Paranjpe] Ma’am as my coach and she introduced me to visualization. She used to sit with me and would make me visualize things that I’m scoring runs tomorrow. And that really helped me. Since then, I visualized before every match. Then my state coach used to tell me to visualize these things,” she says.

Bist emphasizes focusing on the process and consistent performance. “Again, I just need to focus on the process and the process is me performing in every match, me performing at certain stages. And it is not possible to perform in every match, but that is my goal to perform consistently. And that is what matters to get into the team. So yeah, I’m focusing on the process right now and maybe the results will follow one day,” she states.

Bist has seen significant growth in her game, especially in terms of fitness. “Previously I didn’t used to do fitness. It was my natural fitness. So I never used to work on it, but then I realized that fitness is the most important part. It will help you in the recovery part of your game. It will help you in your batting as well, in your fielding as well, in your bowling as well.

If you’re fit enough, you can do anything. And if you’re not, then you’ve got to face the consequences. I’ve worked on my fitness over the years and of course in my batting as well. Previously I just used to go and play my natural game, but then after two or three years when I realized, ‘Okay, you’ve got to play according to the situations’. I tried adapting to the situation and playing accordingly. So that is what helped me,” she notes.

Tackling the Challenge of Australia A

Facing Australia A is a significant challenge, but Bist focuses on her team’s preparation. “We got to see them as opponents only. We don’t see them as a threat or something. They may be a threat or they may be something, but we have to focus on ourselves. If we focus on them, then our focus is gone. So it is better that we focus on our side and we focus on ourselves. And of course, we’ve also prepared well and they’ve also prepared well. So it will be a good game. It will be a tough competition,” she says.

The Role of the Women’s Premier League (WPL)

Bist observes the rapid growth of Indian women’s cricket, particularly with the advent of the WPL. “With the WPL coming in, it has helped a lot of cricketers to recognize their games, to recognize. They’ve played with international cricketers here on Indian soil. So it helps other cricketers as well and you know their mindset. When you talk and talk about cricket, then the mindset of the other people as well. So you try learning things from them as well. I see this tournament and this tour as a very good opportunity and a very good platform for me to utilize it. Playing for India is one proud moment for me,” she reflects.

Bist supports Mumbai Indians in the WPL and sees it as a vital platform for players. “I have a dream of playing in the WPL, but again, it is a very good platform for us to achieve our main goal, which is to play for India. WPL is just a base and an opportunity for us to showcase our talent. Again, I do support some teams in the WPL as well. It is MI, of course, because I love MI. I support them and Harman Didi is the captain of the team. Of course, there are very good players in that team. So I support MI,” she says.

Bist believes the WPL offers a significant boost to the domestic cricketing ecosystem. “When we talk about cricket in India, there are a lot of cricketers in every part of the country. There are very potential cricketers who are very talented but they couldn’t get the platform.

So WPL is a very good platform for players who couldn’t showcase their talent in the domestic circuit. Of course, they have somewhere or the other. That is why they are playing in the WPL. But WPL is one, again, I’m saying that it is just a platform and it is a very good opportunity for people to achieve the main goal, which is to play for India. So that’s the thing,” she explains.

Looking Ahead

Bist’s primary goal is to play for India and contribute to winning major tournaments. “My only goal is to play for India and win matches for India. And again, winning the World Cup is every player’s dream. We have the T20 World Cup right now in October. I really want the Indian team to win the World Cup. So that is the only goal I have as a player to play for India and to make India proud one day,” she concluded.

Bist’s message to young girls is to enjoy the journey of cricket. “Cricket is a very beautiful game and it is not just a gentleman’s game. It is everybody’s game. Just enjoy the game and enjoy everything, not just the ups but the downs as well. The journey is very beautiful,” she advised.

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