Amanjot Kaur has been knocking on the Indian team’s doors for a while now. Last year, she made it to the Indian camp just before India toured Australia. The camp also had several international players including legends- Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami.
Amanjot Kaur says that the camp selection came as a surprise to her.
“It was a surprise. The camp had many stars. We played a few practice matches together. The seniors taught me how and when to try and swing the ball. These are the small things I learned. Also, I got a chance to bat alongside Mithali Raj. We had a small partnership during a practice match. So, overall, it was a great learning experience for me”.
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Amanjot Kaur took up cricket when she was small. She used to play gully cricket while growing up, and she received her professional training only when she was 15. Soon, she represented the Punjab team in age cricket.
She had to take some time away from the game because of the 10th board exam. Once the exams got over, Amanjot Kaur wanted to get back to the game but couldn’t find an academy.
Her father, a carpenter by profession, has been supportive right from day one. The family had to wait for months before a coaching camp took her in for two-months camp. Unfortunately, the slots were full in the coaching centre at Sector 26, and she had to wait a bit more.
Things took a turn when Mr Dipendar Chabbra saw her play in the two-month camp. He suggested the family opt for the coaching centre at Sector 32 where Mr Nagesh Gupta taught. He continues to coach her even today.
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In 2019, when Chandigarh received affiliation from the BCCI, Amanjot Kaur became the 1st captain of the team.
“Being the captain came with additional responsibilities. I am very grateful to Chandigarh Board for giving me captaincy despite having senior members in the team. The Board provided us with good facilities and even arranged matches with other state teams. As a captain, I gained a lot of knowledge”, she says.
After being the captain of Chandigarh for a long time, Amanjot Kaur will return to Punjab for the 2022 season.
“My father and Nagesh sir thought that it was the right time for me to come out of my comfort zone and consider my future. The challenge to get into the Punjab state team is high, and cricket is more competitive here. It will benefit my game”.
She is hopeful to play alongside the Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur and wicket-keeper Taniya Bhatia someday. The duo also represent the Punjab state team.
“If I’m making any mistake, the experience of my seniors will help me prepare better”, she says.
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Amanjot Kaur began her career as a medium pacer. During one of the U19 state matches, the team needed an opener. Punjab coach Arun Bedi sent Amanjot Kaur in. Since then, she has been working on her batting and today, she bats at the top.
“Being an all-rounder is an advantage because if fail with the bat, I can still contribute to the team through my bowling. I want to be a complete all-rounder”.
Amanjot Kaur knows the challenges ahead of her. She is confident that if she keeps working hard, she can fulfil her dream of playing for the country.
“I want to keep working hard and make my dream come true of playing for India, and at the same time, I want to enjoy the game and the process”.
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Translation help: Kalyani Mane
