At an age when most teenagers are balancing school assignments and weekend hobbies, 13-year-old Swara Jadhav is already making headlines in Mumbai's cricketing circles. The left-arm spinner became the youngest player in the T20 Mumbai Women’s League, and capped off a dream campaign by helping SoBo Mumbai Falcons lift the inaugural title while also finishing as the tournament's leading wicket-taker and Purple Cap winner.&nbsp;For someone who only recently entered senior women's cricket, the achievement feels extraordinary. Yet for Swara, it is simply another step towards a much bigger dream. Born in Mumbai, Swara spent six years in the United States after her family relocated there due to her father's work commitments. But cricket had other plans. "I started in the US only and then for cricket we came to India," Swara told WION in an exclusive interaction.&nbsp;The move wasn't easy. While cricket opportunities existed in the United States, the environment was vastly different from Mumbai's competitive ecosystem. "It was very different because more than half of the year it was cold and it was very hard to practice outdoors. There was more indoor practice going on, so not much development over there. That's why we decided to come to India," she explained.&nbsp;The decision proved transformative. Mumbai's cricketing structure quickly became the ideal platform for the young spinner to develop her skills. She impressed in domestic competitions, including the Prakash Puranik Women's Cricket Tournament, where she was named Emerging Player of the Tournament, before catching the attention of SoBo Mumbai Falcons selectors.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wion-exclusive-the-system-isn-t-as-potent-shane-watson-s-big-warning-about-australian-cricket-s-future-1781432377533">WION Exclusive | 'The system isn't as potent': Shane Watson's big warning about Australian cricket's future</a>&nbsp;When the call-up arrived for the Women's T20 Mumbai League, Swara could hardly believe it. "I was very thrilled. I was very excited because I wasn't expecting this to happen. The owners, the support staff trusting me and giving me this opportunity, Mumbai Cricket Association trusting me, I was very happy," she said. The leap from age-group cricket to sharing a dressing room with established stars could have been intimidating for any teenager. Instead, Swara embraced the challenge.&nbsp;"In age-group cricket, there are more people my age and everyone is still learning. Compared to that, I'm playing with seniors right now. They have a lot more experience than me. I'm learning from them and I guess they might also be learning from me," she said with a smile.&nbsp;One of the biggest influences during the tournament was her captain. “With Sayali, she's my captain and she's always supporting me, encouraging me, always suggesting what I should do and what I should try. Playing with such a big icon was very special for me.” Despite entering the competition as an unknown youngster, Swara quickly became one of the tournament's most effective bowlers. She admitted there were nerves before stepping onto the field. "Of course I was a little nervous because I've never played franchise cricket. Everything was really new for me. But being nervous and getting the opportunity just inspires me more to perform."&nbsp;Among her favourite moments was dismissing experienced batters with deliveries that rattled the stumps. “I was very thrilled after taking Fatima's wicket. I just love getting bowled wickets. It's my favourite wicket to take. Taking a bowled wicket is a different feeling for me.” Away from the spotlight, Swara remains grounded, crediting her family for making her journey possible.The sacrifices have been significant. Her father continues to work in the United States while Swara, her mother and younger sister stay in Mumbai to support her cricket ambitions.&nbsp;“My dad stays alone in the US for us. His job is over there. Me, my mom and my sister stay in Mumbai. He comes and visits occasionally. Everything is going on for my cricket and I'm really grateful for this.” She admits that living apart from her father is difficult. “For him it must be hard to stay alone. For us it's also hard because living without your dad cannot be easy.” Those sacrifices fuel her motivation every time she steps onto the field. "The best advice my parents have given me is that even if I keep failing, I should keep working hard because dreams do come true. I've been experiencing that a lot."&nbsp;Like many young spinners, Swara studies some of the best bowlers in the world. Her biggest inspiration is England left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone. “I really like how Sophie Ecclestone bowls. Her pace, her release, it's really awesome. I try to look up to her.” For someone so young, Swara's confidence stands out. Asked whether age matters in cricket, her answer reflected a maturity beyond her years. "Of course not. Age is just a number. It might be small, it might be a little older. It doesn't matter when you're on the field. What matters is how you play and how you perform."&nbsp;That fearless mindset has already carried her to remarkable heights. She also relies heavily on visualisation and meditation to prepare herself mentally. “I look at my bowling videos. I meditate. While meditating, I look at myself in the match, taking a wicket or taking a catch. Maybe we underestimate that a lot, but it really helps.” As for her ambitions, they are as bold as they are clear. "Before the tournament started, I wanted to be the highest wicket-taker. I've been manifesting it since before the tournament and I guess manifesting takes you a long way."&nbsp;The next dream is even bigger. “Five years from now, I want to see myself playing for India and being one of the top wicket-takers for the Indian team.” Given everything she has achieved at just 13, few would bet against her. For now, Mumbai cricket has found its newest sensation. And if Swara Jadhav continues on her current trajectory, Indian cricket may soon have found its next superstar.

At just 13, Swara Jadhav became the youngest player and Purple Cap winner in the Women's T20 Mumbai League. The SoBo Mumbai Falcons spinner opens up on her journey, family sacrifices and India dreams

At an age when most teenagers are balancing school assignments and weekend hobbies, 13-year-old Swara Jadhav is already making headlines in Mumbai's cricketing circles. The left-arm spinner became the youngest player in the T20 Mumbai Women’s League, and capped off a dream campaign by helping SoBo Mumbai Falcons lift the inaugural title while also finishing as the tournament's leading wicket-taker and Purple Cap winner. For someone who only recently entered senior women's cricket, the achievement feels extraordinary. Yet for Swara, it is simply another step towards a much bigger dream. Born in Mumbai, Swara spent six years in the United States after her family relocated there due to her father's work commitments. But cricket had other plans. "I started in the US only and then for cricket we came to India," Swara told WION in an exclusive interaction. The move wasn't easy. While cricket opportunities existed in the United States, the environment was vastly different from Mumbai's competitive ecosystem. "It was very different because more than half of the year it was cold and it was very hard to practice outdoors. There was more indoor practice going on, so not much development over there. That's why we decided to come to India," she explained. The decision proved transformative. Mumbai's cricketing structure quickly became the ideal platform for the young spinner to develop her skills. She impressed in domestic competitions, including the Prakash Puranik Women's Cricket Tournament, where she was named Emerging Player of the Tournament, before catching the attention of SoBo Mumbai Falcons selectors. Also Read: WION Exclusive | 'The system isn't as potent': Shane Watson's big warning about Australian cricket's future When the call-up arrived for the Women's T20 Mumbai League, Swara could hardly believe it. "I was very thrilled. I was very excited because I wasn't expecting this to happen. The owners, the support staff trusting me and giving me this opportunity, Mumbai Cricket Association trusting me, I was very happy," she said. The leap from age-group cricket to sharing a dressing room with established stars could have been intimidating for any teenager. Instead, Swara embraced the challenge. "In age-group cricket, there are more people my age and everyone is still learning. Compared to that, I'm playing with seniors right now. They have a lot more experience than me. I'm learning from them and I guess they might also be learning from me," she said with a smile. One of the biggest influences during the tournament was her captain. “With Sayali, she's my captain and she's always supporting me, encouraging me, always suggesting what I should do and what I should try. Playing with such a big icon was very special for me.” Despite entering the competition as an unknown youngster, Swara quickly became one of the tournament's most effective bowlers. She admitted there were nerves before stepping onto the field. "Of course I was a little nervous because I've never played franchise cricket. Everything was really new for me. But being nervous and getting the opportunity just inspires me more to perform." Among her favourite moments was dismissing experienced batters with deliveries that rattled the stumps. “I was very thrilled after taking Fatima's wicket. I just love getting bowled wickets. It's my favourite wicket to take. Taking a bowled wicket is a different feeling for me.” Away from the spotlight, Swara remains grounded, crediting her family for making her journey possible. The sacrifices have been significant. Her father continues to work in the United States while Swara, her mother and younger sister stay in Mumbai to support her cricket ambitions. “My dad stays alone in the US for us. His job is over there. Me, my mom and my sister stay in Mumbai. He comes and visits occasionally. Everything is going on for my cricket and I'm really grateful for this.” She admits that living apart from her father is difficult. “For him it must be hard to stay alone. For us it's also hard because living without your dad cannot be easy.” Those sacrifices fuel her motivation every time she steps onto the field. "The best advice my parents have given me is that even if I keep failing, I should keep working hard because dreams do come true. I've been experiencing that a lot." Like many young spinners, Swara studies some of the best bowlers in the world. Her biggest inspiration is England left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone. “I really like how Sophie Ecclestone bowls. Her pace, her release, it's really awesome. I try to look up to her.” For someone so young, Swara's confidence stands out. Asked whether age matters in cricket, her answer reflected a maturity beyond her years. "Of course not. Age is just a number. It might be small, it might be a little older. It doesn't matter when you're on the field. What matters is how you play and how you perform." That fearless mindset has already carried her to remarkable heights. She also relies heavily on visualisation and meditation to prepare herself mentally. “I look at my bowling videos. I meditate. While meditating, I look at myself in the match, taking a wicket or taking a catch. Maybe we underestimate that a lot, but it really helps.” As for her ambitions, they are as bold as they are clear. "Before the tournament started, I wanted to be the highest wicket-taker. I've been manifesting it since before the tournament and I guess manifesting takes you a long way." The next dream is even bigger. “Five years from now, I want to see myself playing for India and being one of the top wicket-takers for the Indian team.” Given everything she has achieved at just 13, few would bet against her. For now, Mumbai cricket has found its newest sensation. And if Swara Jadhav continues on her current trajectory, Indian cricket may soon have found its next superstar.

Youngest player, Purple Cap winner and T20 Mumbai champion, 13-year-old Swara Jadhav talks about family sacrifices, meditation, senior stars and her dream of playing for India

Teenage wonder! Meet Swara Jadhav, the 13-year-old wonderkid rewriting Mumbai cricket history

Indian women's cricket is entering one of the most exciting phases in its history and few players are witnessing that growth as closely as Sayali Satghare. The SoBo Mumbai Falcons, led by the 25-year-old also won the inaugural edition of the T20 Mumbai League. Sayali, India international player and Women's Premier League champion with Royal Challengers Bengaluru has been one of the standout performers of the tournament.&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet, despite her strong start to the season, Satghare's focus remains firmly on the bigger picture, the growth of women's cricket in India and the opportunities now available to the next generation. The journey started long before the bright lights of international cricket. Growing up in Mumbai, cricket was a part of everyday life. "Actually, I was eight years old when my brother and I used to play cricket in our building. After that, my cousin brother joined an academy. I used to go and watch their practice during the summer camp and that's where it all started," Satghare recalled in an exclusive conversation with WION.&nbsp;That childhood passion eventually turned into a professional career, but not without setbacks. Looking back on nearly two decades in the game, Satghare says persistence was the key. "I think everyone has ups and downs in their journey. It wasn't any different for me. When things don't work out the way you want them to, you just keep working as hard as you can. Wherever you get a chance and whatever matches you play, just perform well. Then the rest will happen," she said.&nbsp;Her breakthrough came through Mumbai cricket. Having made her debut during the 2015-16 season, Satghare quickly progressed through the age-group ranks before becoming a regular feature in senior cricket. The dream of representing India became reality during the Women's Premier League when she received the news of her Test call-up. "We were playing the WPL then. I was with the team and the first thing Smriti came to me and said was, 'You have been selected in the Test squad.' Obviously, it felt really good. Test cricket is very special because not a lot of people get to play it," she said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2026-day-3-recap-scotland-end-28-year-goal-drought-australia-dominate-turkiye-brazil-draw-morocco-1781418618803">FIFA 2026 Day 3 Recap: Scotland end 28-year goal drought, Australia dominate Turkiye, Brazil draw Morocco</a>&nbsp;Her first Test wicket in Perth remains among the most memorable moments of her career. "Our bowling came in the evening, so there was a lot of swing under lights. It was important for us to get breakthroughs quickly. Obviously everyone was excited. It was my first wicket as well, so it will always be a special wicket," she said. The Women's Premier League has also played a major role in her development. After starting with Gujarat Giants, Satghare moved to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where she became part of a title-winning campaign. "When I got the call from RCB, obviously I felt very good. RCB's team culture is very good. It's like a family. All the foreign players and senior Indian players are very helpful. If you have any doubts, you can talk to them," she said.&nbsp;Satghare believes one of the biggest advantages of sharing a dressing room with overseas stars is learning from their professionalism. "The Australians and other foreign players have very good fitness and work ethics. I learned a lot from them and I'm very grateful that RCB management showed me that trust," she added.<h2>'WPL has made big difference': Sayali</h2>The 27-year-old is equally passionate about the growth of domestic leagues, which she believes are creating pathways for talented cricketers who may otherwise go unnoticed. "All these leagues are very important. We saw how much difference WPL made for Indian cricket. The more leagues start in domestic cricket, the more exposure young players will get and they will get opportunities to perform on bigger stages," she said.&nbsp;She pointed out that not every talented player gets the chance to represent her state, making these tournaments even more important. "There will be a lot of girls who can't play for the state team but their talent is very good. Through these leagues, we can see and identify a lot of players," she explained.&nbsp;Among the current crop of youngsters, Satghare is particularly impressed by their confidence. "I think there is a lot of talent in Mumbai. The biggest difference is confidence. At such a young age, these players are confident on big stages. They know their strengths and skills. It is good that they are getting these opportunities so early," she said.&nbsp;That optimism extends to Indian women's cricket as a whole. With ICC events, World Cups and major international tournaments lined up over the next few years, Satghare believes the national team is entering a golden phase. "I think it is a very exciting phase of Indian cricket. Our team is in a rising phase and the confidence of the team is high. We have so much skill and talent and there are new players coming through WPL and other leagues," she said.&nbsp;Then came the statement that best captures her belief in where the team is heading. "I think in the next five years we will definitely do very well and hopefully we can win another two World Cups," Satghare said. “Indian cricket is growing and it will keep growing.” For a player who started out playing cricket in her building compound and is now starring for SoBo Mumbai Falcons while representing India, it is a prediction grounded in experience. And if Satghare is right, the next chapter of Indian women's cricket could be its most successful yet.

Sayali Satghare reflects on her cricket journey, WPL success, India's future, and why she believes women's cricket is entering a golden era

Indian women's cricket is entering one of the most exciting phases in its history and few players are witnessing that growth as closely as Sayali Satghare. The SoBo Mumbai Falcons, led by the 25-year-old also won the inaugural edition of the T20 Mumbai League. Sayali, India international player and Women's Premier League champion with Royal Challengers Bengaluru has been one of the standout performers of the tournament. Yet, despite her strong start to the season, Satghare's focus remains firmly on the bigger picture, the growth of women's cricket in India and the opportunities now available to the next generation. The journey started long before the bright lights of international cricket. Growing up in Mumbai, cricket was a part of everyday life. "Actually, I was eight years old when my brother and I used to play cricket in our building. After that, my cousin brother joined an academy. I used to go and watch their practice during the summer camp and that's where it all started," Satghare recalled in an exclusive conversation with WION. That childhood passion eventually turned into a professional career, but not without setbacks. Looking back on nearly two decades in the game, Satghare says persistence was the key. "I think everyone has ups and downs in their journey. It wasn't any different for me. When things don't work out the way you want them to, you just keep working as hard as you can. Wherever you get a chance and whatever matches you play, just perform well. Then the rest will happen," she said. Her breakthrough came through Mumbai cricket. Having made her debut during the 2015-16 season, Satghare quickly progressed through the age-group ranks before becoming a regular feature in senior cricket. The dream of representing India became reality during the Women's Premier League when she received the news of her Test call-up. "We were playing the WPL then. I was with the team and the first thing Smriti came to me and said was, 'You have been selected in the Test squad.' Obviously, it felt really good. Test cricket is very special because not a lot of people get to play it," she said. Also Read: FIFA 2026 Day 3 Recap: Scotland end 28-year goal drought, Australia dominate Turkiye, Brazil draw Morocco Her first Test wicket in Perth remains among the most memorable moments of her career. "Our bowling came in the evening, so there was a lot of swing under lights. It was important for us to get breakthroughs quickly. Obviously everyone was excited. It was my first wicket as well, so it will always be a special wicket," she said. The Women's Premier League has also played a major role in her development. After starting with Gujarat Giants, Satghare moved to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where she became part of a title-winning campaign. "When I got the call from RCB, obviously I felt very good. RCB's team culture is very good. It's like a family. All the foreign players and senior Indian players are very helpful. If you have any doubts, you can talk to them," she said. Satghare believes one of the biggest advantages of sharing a dressing room with overseas stars is learning from their professionalism. "The Australians and other foreign players have very good fitness and work ethics. I learned a lot from them and I'm very grateful that RCB management showed me that trust," she added. 'WPL has made big difference': Sayali The 27-year-old is equally passionate about the growth of domestic leagues, which she believes are creating pathways for talented cricketers who may otherwise go unnoticed. "All these leagues are very important. We saw how much difference WPL made for Indian cricket. The more leagues start in domestic cricket, the more exposure young players will get and they will get opportunities to perform on bigger stages," she said. She pointed out that not every talented player gets the chance to represent her state, making these tournaments even more important. "There will be a lot of girls who can't play for the state team but their talent is very good. Through these leagues, we can see and identify a lot of players," she explained. Among the current crop of youngsters, Satghare is particularly impressed by their confidence. "I think there is a lot of talent in Mumbai. The biggest difference is confidence. At such a young age, these players are confident on big stages. They know their strengths and skills. It is good that they are getting these opportunities so early," she said. That optimism extends to Indian women's cricket as a whole. With ICC events, World Cups and major international tournaments lined up over the next few years, Satghare believes the national team is entering a golden phase. "I think it is a very exciting phase of Indian cricket. Our team is in a rising phase and the confidence of the team is high. We have so much skill and talent and there are new players coming through WPL and other leagues," she said. Then came the statement that best captures her belief in where the team is heading. "I think in the next five years we will definitely do very well and hopefully we can win another two World Cups," Satghare said. “Indian cricket is growing and it will keep growing.” For a player who started out playing cricket in her building compound and is now starring for SoBo Mumbai Falcons while representing India, it is a prediction grounded in experience. And if Satghare is right, the next chapter of Indian women's cricket could be its most successful yet.

Sayali Satghare reflects on her cricket journey, WPL success, India's future, and why she believes women's cricket is entering a golden era

'India can win two more World Cups in the next five years': Sayali Satghare on women's cricket boom

Gujarat Giants' Sayali Satghare made history in the ongoing Women's Premier League (WPL) on March 3 by becoming the first concussion sub in the tournament. Satghare replaced Dayalan Hemalatha after the latter was hit on the head by a ball while attempting a catch against Delhi Capitals. The incident happened in the 15th over of Delhi's batting and Hemalatha didn't take further part in the game.

Capitals' Jess Jonassen had hit a ball with all muscle and Hemalatha managed to catch the ball before it burst out of her hand and hit her on the head. The player immediately sought the help of a physio and went off the field after that. Satghare then was approved as the sub for the Giants during their chase of 164.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/there-will-be-a-lot-of-injuries-warns-india-all-rounder-shardul-thakur-about-crammed-domestic-schedule-696308">'There will be a lot of injuries', warns India all-rounder Shardul Thakur about crammed domestic schedule</a>

Satghare, aged 23, plays for Mumbai in the domestic set-up as a seam-bowling all-rounder. Most recently, she played in the Senior Women's One Day Trophy and averaged 50 with the bat. The highlights included a century she hit against Arunachal Pradesh. The all-rounder also took 10 wickets in the competition.&nbsp;

As for the match, Gujarat's horrendous season continued with another loss - the fourth in as many matches. The Giants did well while bowling and stopped Delhi at a modest 163 despite Meg Lanning's 41-ball 55.

Meghna Singh was the pick of bowlers for Gujarat, taking 4/37 while Ashleigh Gardner picked 2/37. Apart from them, Mannat Kashyap and Tanuja Kanwar picked one each.

While batting, Giants batters failed to fire once again with three wickets down inside the powerplay. Gardner did manage to hang around for a bit with an innings of 31-ball 40 as Jonassen and Radha Yadav tore through Gujarat's batting. Jonassen finished with 3/22 in four overs while Yadav took 3/20 in her spell to help DC win by 25 runs.

With the victory - third in four matches, Delhi now sit at the top of the points table while Gujarat Giants are at&nbsp;the bottom with no wins in four games so far.

Gujarat Giants' Sayali Satghare made history in the ongoing Women's Premier League (WPL) on March 3 by becoming the first concussion sub in the tournament. Satghare replaced Dayalan Hemalatha after the latter was hit on the head by a ball while attempting a catch against Delhi Capitals.

Gujarat Giants' Sayali Satghare made history in the ongoing Women's Premier League (WPL) on March 3 by becoming the first concussion sub in the tournament. Satghare replaced Dayalan Hemalatha after the latter was hit on the head by a ball while attempting a catch against Delhi Capitals. The incident happened in the 15th over of Delhi's batting and Hemalatha didn't take further part in the game. Capitals' Jess Jonassen had hit a ball with all muscle and Hemalatha managed to catch the ball before it burst out of her hand and hit her on the head. The player immediately sought the help of a physio and went off the field after that. Satghare then was approved as the sub for the Giants during their chase of 164. Also Read: 'There will be a lot of injuries', warns India all-rounder Shardul Thakur about crammed domestic schedule Satghare, aged 23, plays for Mumbai in the domestic set-up as a seam-bowling all-rounder. Most recently, she played in the Senior Women's One Day Trophy and averaged 50 with the bat. The highlights included a century she hit against Arunachal Pradesh. The all-rounder also took 10 wickets in the competition. As for the match, Gujarat's horrendous season continued with another loss - the fourth in as many matches. The Giants did well while bowling and stopped Delhi at a modest 163 despite Meg Lanning's 41-ball 55. Meghna Singh was the pick of bowlers for Gujarat, taking 4/37 while Ashleigh Gardner picked 2/37. Apart from them, Mannat Kashyap and Tanuja Kanwar picked one each. While batting, Giants batters failed to fire once again with three wickets down inside the powerplay. Gardner did manage to hang around for a bit with an innings of 31-ball 40 as Jonassen and Radha Yadav tore through Gujarat's batting. Jonassen finished with 3/22 in four overs while Yadav took 3/20 in her spell to help DC win by 25 runs. With the victory - third in four matches, Delhi now sit at the top of the points table while Gujarat Giants are at the bottom with no wins in four games so far.

WPL 2024: Gujarat Giants' Sayali Satghare becomes first concussion sub of tournament during match vs DC

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Teenage wonder! Meet Swara Jadhav, the 13-year-old wonderkid rewriting Mumbai cricket history

'India can win two more WC's in next five years': Sayali on women's cricket rise

WPL 2024: Gujarat Giants' Sayali Satghare becomes first concussion sub of tournament during match vs DC