Deandra Dottin: I always emphasise that you should be prepared to fail

Long before she became a superstar in women’s cricket, Deandra Dottin excelled in athletics, winning medals for Barbados in the CARIFTA Games — the annual athletics competition established by the Caribbean Free Trade Association.

A prominent javelin thrower who also participated in the shot put, Dottin embraces her self-proclaimed nickname ‘World Boss,’ which motivates her to deliver stellar performances, particularly on the cricket pitch.

Dottin, a veteran of 146 Women’s ODIs and 135 T20Is, was the first woman to score a T20I century, achieving the feat in just 38 balls against South Africa during the 2010 Women’s T20 World Cup — a record that remains unbeaten.

On the recent West Indies tour of India, Dottin showcased flashes of brilliance despite her team losing both the T20I and ODI series.

Her visit to India also marked a major career highlight, as she was bought by Gujarat Giants for Rs 1.70 crore, making her the most expensive overseas player in this year’s Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction.

Dottin’s WPL journey has been eventful — she was controversially released by Gujarat in the inaugural season, went unsold last year, but attracted a fierce bidding war this time. Gujarat eventually re-acquired her services.

Speaking to  Sportstar in Vadodara, Dottin reflected on her journey, her return from retirement, and the road ahead.

You’ve recently come out of retirement to resume your international career with the West Indies. What has the experience been like for you so far?

The journey has been really good. I have been doing a lot of work behind the scenes, even before I came back, so that as soon as I hit the ground running, it would be a lot easier for me. I would be able to produce what I am accustomed to producing.

What led to your sudden retirement in 2022? Do you have any regrets about having made that decision?

I really don’t talk about it, but what happened in the past and the decision I made back then have had a great impact on my cricket now. It was a really good choice at the time because I’ve learnt a lot. I’ve been able to catch up on many things and realise things I thought weren’t a problem, which actually were. So, that break actually did something for me.

Would you say it was an emotional call?

I do not think so. I think everything happens for a reason. If it was not supposed to happen that way, then it would not have. You live and you learn. Things do happen. It is just how you pick up and go about it.

As a senior player, how do you mentor and support the younger players in the team?

The main message I try to share is the importance of being fearless. I always emphasise that you should be prepared to fail because if you’re not ready for that possibility, you’ve already set yourself up for failure. When you’re prepared to fail, the impact of failure won’t feel as overwhelming. I also encourage them to work hard and approach the game with fearlessness. Many of them are determined, eager to learn, and aspire to play in franchise leagues. I always try to motivate them, reminding them to focus on what they can control and leave the rest in God’s hands.

Despite a fine blend of youth and experience, the West Indies has been erratic in its performances. Where is it lacking?

I definitely think it’s about consistency. We need to be more consistent. I believe we have the experience. Not everyone may be highly experienced, but there are enough players around to help and support the younger ones who are willing to learn. What we have is talent and potential. But you can only go so far with talent and potential. If you can be consistent, you will go even further. I think that is what we are lacking, and it’s something we are actively working on.

What lessons did the team take away from the narrow semifinal loss to New Zealand in the T20 World Cup?

We were all on the same page and determined to win. We played really good cricket but it just wasn’t our day and we lost narrowly. However, I also know that more T20 World Cups are coming up, so we can definitely make a strong comeback.

In the Women’s Premier League auction this year, you were roped in for a whopping Rs 1.70 crore. From withdrawing in 2023 and going unsold in 2024, you have come a long way in the franchise league…

Yeah, life has come full circle. I think everything happens for a reason. So, I was actually supposed to be in the 2025 WPL this time, and I will be there to showcase my talents and what I do best. It is actually good to play in a franchise league because you always get that experience.

To play alongside players from different teams like India, a couple of Australians, and others, you get to learn more of other players’ personalities and how they go about their games as well.

When you share the dressing room with international players from around the world, what do you focus on?

We actually learn a lot from other players because you may not have the setup that they have, but you make use of what you have in order to match up or probably be better. In the process, you do learn a lot. Some of them play shots differently, whereas you can take a leaf out of their style of play and how they go about their game as well. But it is not going to be exactly the same. It is just taking an example of their performance and seeing if you actually fit in and see if it works for you.

What are the targets that you have set for the WPL?

I have played in that tournament (Women’s T20 Challenge) in India before. So, I do not think it is going to be that much different. It will probably be just playing in a different State or a few venues. But it is just a matter of hitting the ground, assessing it very quickly and trying to gain some quick runs for the job.

Who motivates you during tough times?

I actually try to go back to the basics, and I do pray a lot. So, I just try to be calm and patient and just control what I can. I just pray to God to give me health and strength, and he will do the rest.

Should women’s cricket also have a World Test Championship to promote the longer format?

I think that, no matter the format, the crowd loves cricket. However, I also believe that Test cricket offers a valuable experience. Many girls primarily play 50-over matches and T20s but want the opportunity to experience Test cricket. I am one of those who have always wanted to play Test cricket, to experience the long days and understand what it entails.

Test cricket is a unique form of the game that helps develop patience. While T20 is fast-paced, having Test cricket around is really beneficial. Even playing one-off games in the format provides a great experience.

How do you plan to prepare for the ODI World Cup in India next year, and how do you adapt to different formats as a senior player?

I think the preparation started with this series. We had a good opportunity to assess the conditions, become familiar with them, and understand how they might play next year.

There is still some time, but at least we now have an idea and know who we are up against. Preparation is the main focus.

I always try to separate myself, whether it is fitness, bowling, or batting skills. I focus on taking one step at a time with what I plan to do in order to stay more focused and prepared.

While Chris Gayle is the ‘Universe Boss,’ you call yourself the ‘World Boss.’ Does the tag motivate you when you take to the field?

I enjoy that name. I gave it to myself because I was into athletics (javelin throw and shot put) before taking up cricket, and I was doing well there too — making and breaking records. That’s how I earned the name. When I took up cricket, I started where I had left off in athletics, and throughout my career, I have enjoyed this tag.

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