Akshara's Journey from Oman to Tamil Nadu
Akshara, who started playing in Oman, moved to Chennai to further her cricketing career. The Tamil Nadu cricketer was recently part of the South Zone side and she has set her sights high and feels she needs to keep pushing herself to get better.
Here are the excerpts from her free-wheeling interview with commentator Baggs for Takeoff Champs.
Q: You played in Oman and then moved to Tamil Nadu. How was the cricket culture there?
Akshara: When I started playing cricket, I had very minimal knowledge about the sport. It was just a push from the people around me that got me into it. I used to bowl and bat, and I had hand-eye coordination from playing tennis. I was able to manage batting skills with that. Surprisingly, I got selected for the Oman national team. After that, I was more eager to play cricket. I told my parents I would like to play for India, and they were extremely supportive of it.
Q: How was the cultural shift?
I learned more and gained more experience in India than in Oman. Sooraj sir in Oman pushed me a lot, as did Afzal sir in Oman. Desappan sir helped me at Gennext Cricket Academy, along with Charles and Indrakumar sir. Venkat sir is helping me right now.
Q: If you have to pick one defining moment that shaped you, what would it be?
I’ve been through a lot in my personal life, but it didn’t affect my cricket career. In fact, it has only motivated me to push harder in cricket.
Q: In terms of the WPL (2024), did you attend any selections?
Yes, I attended the MI camp. When I went there, the level of the game was very different, the standards and everything. When I saw them play, I realized I have to work harder to be a part of it.
Q: When it comes to fast bowling, how do you visualize yourself getting to the next level and what skills do you need?
I use inswingers and the leg cutter. Lately I’ve been working a lot on off-cutters; I need to be more consistent with it.
Q: Who is your best teammate and what quality have you always wanted to pick from them, both on and off the field?
Anusha. As a senior, she has motivated me a lot. She can be both fun and serious at the same time, whether it’s on the field or off the field. When I look at her, I remind myself to stay strong and I really admire that about her.
Q: What is the target or goal you’ve set for yourself?
If I’m going to reach the next stage, I shouldn’t stop. I need to keep pushing myself to improve and focus on how I can keep getting better.
Q: Who is your biggest supporter?
More than the people who have groomed me in the sport, I would like to thank Afzal sir from Oman who kick-started my career. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have gotten into the sport because I never used to enjoy cricket. The transition was possible only because of him, and I would like to thank my parents as well. They’ve been extremely supportive by helping me move to India and with finances. Everything’s hard, but they do it for me. I would like to thank my brother as well. I feel really happy when my brother appreciates me.
