Daily Times

NEW DELHI: There is an age-old saying that ‘if you are good enough, then you are old enough’ and it fits the bill perfectly for nine-year-old cricketer Anadi Tagde. Anadi is a student of class four, living in the sports capital Madhya Pradesh – Indore. At such a tender age, when children of similar age are busy playing with toys, Anadi is making a name for herself because of her cricketing skills. Recently, the nine-year-old took part in the women’s under-19 trials and left the senior cricketers stunned with her performance with the ball. Even the selectors were forced to name her in the squad after being awe-struck by her great command over the line and length of deliveries. Anadi’s mother – Dipti Tagde – was a good cricketer during her time and played a key role in honing her daughter’s skills.

When Dipti coundn’t find a suitable coach, she started training Anadi herself. Eight months ago, Dipti enrolled Anadi in the Happy Wanderers Cricket Club and the rest as they say is history. Anadi’s father said that they were forced to go for an Indian Premier League match at the Holkar Stadium in Indore after Anadi’s persisted. He also revealed that Anadi kept a close eye on Kings XI Punjab’s pacer Ishant Sharma’s bowling and watched his field placing techniques very carefully. Anadi’s passion for the game is such that even if she is asked to bowl at 2 am in the morning, she will be more than happy to do it. And looking at her talent, she is touted for big things in the future as well with the women’s international team.