The Indian women’s blind cricket team was in the stands on Thursday, cheering for Harmanpreet & Co at the DY Patil Stadium in the only Test against England. The Indian batters shone as the hosts scored 410 runs for the loss of seven wickets on the opening day of the red-ball fixture.
Following the conclusion of the day’s play, the likes of captain Harmanpreet, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Thakur and coach Amol Muzumdar took time to meet and appreciate the Indian women’s blind cricket team, currently engaged in the Bilateral Cricket Series for the Blind 2023 against Nepal.
The meeting was a source of inspiration for the visually impaired cricketers, who were thrilled to interact with their role models. CABI chairman Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar described it as an ‘ecstatic moment’ for the visually impaired cricketers.
Our incredible blind cricket players meeting the luminaries of Indian women’s cricket – Harmanpreet Kaur (Brand Ambassador for Women’s Cricket for Blind), Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Singh Thakur, and the inspiring coach Amol Muzumdar.#samarthanamtrust #CABI pic.twitter.com/q8diTuBpM7— Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) (@blind_cricket) December 14, 2023
“Our girls had the chance to sit and cheer for the Indian women’s team. When the Indian team hit the 400th run we were there cheering for our team. It was a delighted moment for the Blind Women’s cricket team. Harmanpreet was very happy to meet our visually impaired girls and was willing to extend all possible support,” Mahantesh said in a statement.
A heartwarming meeting ☺️An encouraging message
This interaction of Indian Women Cricket Team for the Blind with Harmanpreet Kaur & Co. post Day 1 of the #INDvENG Test is all heart #TeamIndia | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @ImHarmanpreet | | @JemiRodrigues pic.twitter.com/eoajG2QYfs
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) December 14, 2023
The blind cricket team emerged victorious in the fourth T20 against Nepal, securing the bilateral series 3-1, with one match remaining. India had won the first two T20s but the visitors came back in the third game on Wednesday, denying India a series win. However, India won the fourth T20 to clinch the series with 3-1 with one match to go.
Indian women’s cricket team for the blind on Thursday defeated Nepal in the fourth T20 and clinched the bilateral series 3-1 with one match to go. Harmanpreet, who is also the brand ambassador for women’s cricket for the blind, Rajeshwari and Jemimah congratulated the Indian team for the win over Nepal and also for their gold medal win in the IBSA World Games.
(With Agency Inputs)
