American women’s cricket has made significant progress in recent times. One of the reasons for their success is the rise of talented youngsters. Shebani Bhaskar is a talented player who currently plays for the USA Women’s national team. She plays as the right-hand opening batsman and is frequently referred to by her teammates as the symbol of composure under pressure.
Shebani finds it fascinating how teams join together to become a unit, frequently consisting of individuals with various histories, tales, and experiences. As a young cricketer who strives to emulate greats like Charlotte Edwards, she has accomplished a lot in the game. Now, continue reading this article to learn more about Bhaskar.
Started Playing Cricket at 11
The cricketer was born Shebani Mandhakini Bhaskar on October 7, 1994, in Evergreen Park, Illinois. She was welcomed into an Indian family by her dad Bhaskar Rajah and her mom Jayalakshmi Bhaskar. Shebani Bhasker’s father served in the U.S. Foreign Service, meaning they had to pack up their bags and move every two years. The Bhaskar family resided in different cities, including Hamburg, Dhaka, Alexandria, Virginia, Kolkata, and Chennai.
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In addition, Bhaskar grew up in a family involved in sports, which has been a huge part of her life. Shebani Bhaskar’s sister, Meenakshi Bhaskar, is a national rowing champion; her great-grandfather and great-uncle were a gymnast and a sprint champion, respectively. She must have grown up having good times with her siblings Meenakshi and Vijaishri Bhaskar.
Shebani, who used to play cricket in her backyard with a rubber ball, got her hand on a cork ball at age 11. That was when she began playing competitive cricket on an organized team and picked up her first official wicket in the first over of her first tournament.
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Admires Charlotte Edwards
Shebani Bhaskar is a massive fan of Charlotte Edwards, a retired English cricketer and current cricket coach and broadcaster. The two currently collaborate as a coach and player and have a good relationship. As of 2016, the two had even been seen dining together after a game. Shebani has stated that the former English woman cricketer greatly inspires her. Alongside Edwards, M.S. Dhoni is her other favorite player.
Besides, Bhaskar is also a part-time spin-bowler and an opening batsman. Her colleagues have given the right-hand opening batsman the nickname Mandus, Virat, and Captain Cool. Shebani enjoys how unpredictable the sport is until the final ball is bowled and how diverse teams in the match can cooperate to achieve mutual goals.
Moreover, the emerging cricketer was given a chance to play for the U. S. cricket team at the 2011 Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier after gaining experience in regional cricket in India. She considers it an honor and privilege to display the American kit and takes it seriously.
Similarly, Anika Kolan is another USA Women’s team cricketer striving to make a name for herself.
Shebani Bhaskar Cricket Career
Shebani has played for the Atlanta Pearls, CanAm United, Tristate Lynx, Sydney Universities Women’s Cricket Club, and Tasmania University in Hobart, Australia, throughout her career. She is delighted to be a member of Team USA. The USA defending 79 against a Queensland XI in the opening match of the USA Development Tour of Australia is her best USA cricket experience.
Sheebs, as her parents have nicknamed her, was named captain of the American women’s cricket team in March 2018. She was again appointed the team’s captain in March 2019 in preparation for the matchup with Canada in the 2019 ICC Women’s Qualifier Americas competition. Bhaskar earned her World Twenty20 International debut for the U. S. against Canada in the Americas Qualifier on May 17, 2019.
Shebani was selected by the USA Cricket Women’s National Selectors to join the Women’s National Training Group in February 2021. She was chosen before the 2021 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier and the Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier. Furthermore, she was appointed the vice-captain of the American team for the World Cup Qualifier event in September 2021, while Sindhu Sriharsha was named the captain.
Shebani Bhaskar is a young cricketer with skill and a bright future. She continues to be motivated by her mentor and role model, Charlotte Edwards, and has recently been succeeding. We hope for the best for her and look forward to learning more about her life in the days ahead.
