In a significant achievement, Minnu Mani, a skilled cricketer hailing from Kerala’s Wayanad, has been selected to join the Indian Women’s Cricket Twenty20 team for their upcoming tour of Bangladesh. Minnu is a key player for the Delhi Capitals in the Women’s IPL.
Minnu who belongs to the Kurichiya tribe in Choyimoola in Wayanad, started playing cricket at the age of ten with boys in the paddy fields near her home but began to take the game more seriously when she joined Government High School, Idapaddi in standard 8.
At the young age of sixteen, Minnu became a part of the Kerala cricket team and has since been an integral member for a decade. She has been a linchpin of Kerala team in the last decade and was the top run-getter in the Women’s All-India One-day tournament last season with 246 runs from eight matches. She also claimed 12 wickets to underline her all-round potential.
Notably, Minnu represented the Indian A team during their tour of Bangladesh in 2019, showcasing her talent on the international stage. She has also proudly participated in the Asia Cup Junior Championship, further highlighting her skills and dedication to the sport.
Only a handful of names from Kerala have donned national colours, all of them belonging to the men’s team. Tinu Yohannan, S. Sreesanth, Sanju Samson and Sandeep Warrier are the four cricketers to represent India from the southern state.
Minnu’s dad Mani CK is a daily wage labourer while her mom Vasantha is a homemaker.
“Life has been tough for me and I am happy my hard work has paid off. I will do my best now that I have got the chance,”Outlook quoted Minnu as saying after the team was announced.
India is all set to face Bangladesh in a thrilling series of three Twenty20 matches, which will take place in Mirpur.
In addition to this, the team selection for the ODI series has also been unveiled. Leading the charge as the captain for both teams is the talented Harmanpreet. The opening Twenty20 match is scheduled for the 9th of this month at Mirpur.
