The electrifying final-ball six by debutante Sajana Sajeevan against Delhi Capitals yesterday wasn't just a match-winner for Mumbai Indians in the WPL opener; it was a culmination of a journey that began in the humble paddy fields of Wayanad, Kerala.
Sajeevan's parents, an autorickshaw driver and panchayat councillor, struggled to afford her cricketing dreams. Yet, her passion, nurtured by local coach Elsamma Baby and fueled by an autographed bat from Gautam Gambhir, shone through.
Despite financial constraints, Sajana persevered, earning her place in the district U-19 team, later captaining the state U-19 side. Her all-round talent - a hard-hitting batter and off-spinner - earned her selection for India A.
However, her journey is a far cry from the glitzy world of professional cricket, born in the humble soil of Wayanad, Kerala.
Financial limitations were a constant hurdle, but Sajana's passion remained undimmed. "I did not have funds to travel," she recalled in a video on the MI website.
"When I was selected to play for my district, I started earning money, 150 Rs per day as daily allowance. That was big money for me. Then, it went to 150, 300 and 900. I wanted to feel happy for my parents," she added.
The turning point came with selection for the state U-19 side, followed by captaincy and recognition as a handy all-rounder. Yet, the initial WPL auction dealt a blow. "Sajana was so nervous that day and she did not even watch it on TV. "She was a bit upset when she failed to attract a bid last year," her father revealed.
But Sajana, reflecting her coach K Rajagopal's words, held onto her dream.
"He told me not to get disheartened after that auction. He had said, if you keep performing then the chance will certainly come your way again," she remembered.
Her dedication paid off this year, with Mumbai Indians picking her for Rs 15 lakh.
And then came the final ball against Delhi Capitals. "I didn't think it would go for a six," Sajana admitted later, her face etched with disbelief. "But I just swung my bat and it connected," she said in relief.
That six wasn't just a match-winner; it was a roar of defiance against limitations, a testament to the power of unwavering passion. It sparked reactions like teammate Yastika Bhatia's, who called Sajana the "Kieron Pollard of the MI women's outfit."
But Sajana's dream extends beyond the WPL. "Sajana now says she wants to wear an Indian jersey soon. Hopefully, her dreams will come true" her father shared, his eyes shining with pride.
And in that hope lies the true power of Sajana's story. It's a message for every young girl, particularly those in rural India, that dreams can take flight, even from the humblest beginnings.
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