Gongadi Trisha played a key role in India’s successful title defence in the ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup. In an exclusive chat with Sportstar, she said that not getting picked in the Women’s Premier League auction was a huge motivating factor in her performances in Kuala Lumpur, which earned her the ‘Player of the Tournament’ award.
The 19-year-old channeled her disappointment and put her best foot forward and the result, she believes, was gratifying. “Yes, it was a bit disappointing [to not get picked] but then I also told myself that I need to perform even better to be picked. In that context, my all-round performance in this World Cup is immensely satisfying,” she said.
Trisha, who is a huge fan of Mithali Raj, played the role of opener to perfection in the tournament – something she did not get to do during India’s triumph in the previous edition in South Africa.
“I’m glad that I made full use of the opportunities. We have been training together as a team for the last nine months. And each one of us has defined roles and we were expected to raise the bar,” Trisha said.
IND vs SA U19 T20 WC final Highlights: India crowned two-time champion; Trisha, spinners shine in nine-wicket thrashing of South Africa
Trisha, who scored 309 runs in seven innings and took nine wickets with her off-spin, expressed delight at her contributions in key matches. “To contribute to the team’s success, especially in the semifinal and the final is all the more special. But the most memorable is the 100 against Scotland,” Trisha said.
In the final against South Africa, the Bhadrachalam-born teenager top scored (44 not out) and picked three wickets – earning her the ‘Player of the Match’ award. While happy with her contributions in the summit clash, Trisha said that she focused on being consistent and played to her strengths in the series.
“I’m glad that I was there till we won [the final]. Honestly, I didn’t make any critical adjustments to my technique – both in batting and bowling. The whole effort was to stay focused, be consistent, and play to my strengths,” she said.
Trisha said that winning the title in what was her last Under-19 match (she will be graduating to the seniors soon) was all the more special.