At just 17, fast bowler Shabnam Shakil holds the unique distinction of being part of two ICC Under-19 Women’s World Cup-winning Indian teams.
Shabnam, who provided India with the crucial first breakthrough in the final against South Africa in Kuala Lumpur last Sunday, reflected on how this World Cup triumph felt different due to the strong bond shared by the team, having trained together for over seven months before the tournament.
“Honestly, after defeating South Africa in a bilateral series before this World Cup, we had the belief that we could dominate and win the title again,” Shabnam said in an exclusive interview with Sportstar.
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“We believe the India Under-19 platform is the best place to showcase our skills and dream big. That was a huge motivation for us,” she added.
Having been mentored by Mithali Raj and Nooshin Al Khadeer at Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), Shabnam acknowledged the transformative impact of the league on her game. “Playing alongside seniors, discussing bowling strategies, and learning how to handle pressure helped me immensely,” said the young pacer from Vizag.
“I love bowling fast, with my inswinger being my biggest strength. I have developed a slower delivery as well, though I didn’t really need it in this World Cup,” she said with a smile.
Shabnam noted that she hadn’t made any significant changes between the two World Cups. “I just focused on being consistent and worked really hard,” she said, while also expressing gratitude for the unwavering support of her parents, Mohd Shakil and K. Eswaramma, both of whom serve in the Indian Navy in Vizag.
“Fortunately, Nooshi ma’am (Indian head coach) has known me for the last three years, which was a huge advantage, and Mithali ma’am was always there to provide invaluable insights,” she said.
One of Shabnam’s most cherished moments after returning to Vizag for a brief stay before heading off to join Gujarat Giants was meeting her first coach, P. Nagaraju, who had trained her since she was just eight years old.
Her next goal? “To express myself as best as I can in the WPL later this month. It is an incredible platform to help me achieve my ultimate dream of playing for the Indian senior team,” said Shabnam, an 11th-standard student at Alwardas College in Vizag.
“Fortunately, I was never discouraged from playing cricket. My family, friends, and coaches always believed in my passion and supported me wholeheartedly. My younger sister, Shahjahan Begum, also plays at the U-15 level,” she said.
“I am ready to embrace any challenges that come my way on the field. My biggest dream is to play a key role in India winning the Senior Women’s World Cup,” she signed off.
