“I am very excited and have no words to describe what I went through after being informed that I have been selected for the T20 against Bangladesh to be played there. One good thing is in 2019 I had toured Bangladesh when the India A team toured there,” said Mani.
“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,” added Mani who belongs to the Kurichiya tribe in Choyimoola in Wayanad.
While her father is a casual labourer, her mother is a homemaker.
Niketha Ramankutty who has been Mani’s team manager and also a South Indian selector said the hard work that she has put in has started getting her rewards.
“She has a very bright future ahead of her as she is a very disciplined cricketer. She is determined and is a well-grounded person,” said Ramankutty.
23-year-old Mani sprang a surprise early this year when she was picked up for Rs 30 lakh for the first Women Premier League by Delhi Capitals.
An all-rounder, Mani bowls right-handed while is a left-hand batter.
The Harmanpreet Kaur-led squad is scheduled to play three T20Is and three ODIs on the Bangladesh tour, which starts in Mirpur from July 9.
–IANS
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