Minnu Mani: From Being Kerala's Leading Cricketer To Playing At WPL

Hailing from Wayanad, a district in Northern Kerala, Minnu Mani has swiftly risen through the ranks, showcasing her prowess on the international stage. With four matches for India under her belt, she has already left an indelible mark, capturing five crucial wickets. Her international debut during the T20I series against Bangladesh in July showcased not just her skill but also her mettle under pressure. As the Women's Premier League Auction 2024 unfolds, she will be playing in the Women's Premier League for the Delhi Capitals, demonstrating her grit and strength.

This second Women’s Premier League auction in 2024 promised to be a watershed moment for 165 cricketers, comprising 104 Indians and 61 overseas players, as they await the destiny-altering swing of the auctioneer's gavel. The Delhi Capitals chose stability this season, relying on the foundation provided by Minnu, which served them well last season.

A glimpse into Minnu Mani's Journey

The cricketing fraternity first took notice of her during the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh at Mirpur in July, where she made a remarkable international debut.

Minnu's father, Mani, a daily-wage labourer, shared the thrilling moments leading up to the game. Initially, Minnu had expressed doubts about being part of the starting eleven for the first match. However, at around 10:30 in the morning, she called her family with exhilarating news—she would indeed be in the starting lineup—and requested their prayers.

Word spread like wildfire, and relatives, neighbours, local politicians, and news channels all gathered at the Mani residence, eagerly awaiting the momentous occasion. With no telecast available, everyone tuned into the YouTube channel of the Bangladesh Cricket Board on their phones, anxiously waiting to witness Minnu's performance on the grandest stage of her career.

Stepping onto the field, Minnu, aged 24, received her cap from her idol, Smriti Mandhana. Among the two debutants for India, Minnu and Bareddy Anusha, the off-spinning all-rounder showcased her skills right from the powerplay as India opted to field. However, Bangladesh opener Shamima Sultana launched an assault on Minnu, hitting a six and a four in the second and third deliveries of the fifth over. 

Undeterred, Minnu persisted, delivering the next ball even slower, which induced a false shot from Sultana. The right-hander skied the slog sweep straight into the hands of Jemimah Rodrigues at deep square leg. A wicket in the very first over elevated Minnu's spirits, and her proud parents, Mani and his wife Vasantha, celebrated the occasion by opening a box of sweets at their Mananthavady home.

Mani expressed his indescribable joy, saying, "She has worked hard for years to play for India and to take a wicket in the first over itself... What more could we ask for? The entire town is elated." Minnu had the opportunity to claim another wicket in her second over, but Pooja Vastrakar missed a challenging catch at short square leg after Sobhana Mostary mistimed a slog.

Nonetheless, Minnu finished with respectable figures of 3-0-21-1, contributing to India's effort to restrict Bangladesh to 114/5. India later secured a comfortable seven-wicket victory, chasing down the target in just 16.2 overs.

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur praised Minnu and Anusha, acknowledging their impressive bowling performances during the powerplay. Kaur, the player of the match for her 54 off 35 balls, emphasised their understanding of the conditions and their dedication to the team's cause during the post-match presentation ceremony.

From Wayanad to the Indian cricket team

Hailing from the Kurichiya tribe in Wayanad, Minnu was a vital part of India's gold medal-winning women's team at the Hangzhou Asian Games earlier this year, adding to her laurels and establishing her as a force to be reckoned with in the cricketing arena.

Minnu had previously made waves by being the sole player from Kerala to participate in the Women's Premier League 2023 (WPL), where she was bought by the Delhi  Capitals for a staggering Rs 30 lakh. Despite being a part of a star-studded lineup featuring the likes of Shafali Verma, Rodrigues, and Meg Lanning, Minnu only made three appearances throughout the season.

Mina's father, initially sceptical about her cricketing pursuits, acknowledged the pivotal role played by her school teacher, Elsamma, in introducing her to the sport. He further expressed his gratitude towards the Kerala Cricket Association's women's academy coaches and the Kerala women's team coach, Suman Sharma, for nurturing Minnu's talent and supporting her dreams.

Minnu's arduous daily journey of travelling 42 kilometres one way, taking four buses, to train at the KCA stadium in Krishnagiri during the off-season, showcases her unparalleled determination.

Suman Sharma, who has coached the Kerala women's team for many years, believes Minnu has the potential to become one of the country's finest all-rounders. Sharma praised Minnu's athleticism, excellent fielding skills, and ability to both attack and defend with the bat. With more exposure at the higher level, Sharma predicts Minnu can emerge as a formidable all-rounder for India across different formats.

Despite their immense pride, Minnu's parents have yet to witness her play live on the ground. Their daughter's ultimate wish is to take them to watch a game abroad, and she has promised to arrange their passports if she continues to represent India. Mani expressed his hopes of fulfilling this dream one day, thanking all the well-wishers who have supported Minnu over the years.