SANDEEP Gawande, childhood coach of cricketer Bharti Fulmali, was elated upon her wards selection in the Indian women’s team for the forthcoming T20 World Cup to be held in England and Wales in June. Bharti, who made her India debut way back in 2019, will play underHarmanpreetKaur in the mega event. Speakingwith‘TheHitavada’ from Amravati, Gawande’s voice had satisfaction written overit as he was expecting the call after Bharti’s exceptional performance for the past one year. “It (the selection)was round the corner. She was performing brilliantly for the past one year. In Women’s Premier League, she scored runs heavily.

 

Even on South Africa tour, she batted brilliantly. I was sure that she would get the nod (for T20 World Cup),” said Gawande. Gawande said, Bharti will definitelyperform well given a chance in the tournament. “She is very high on confidence. Sheisbattingwelland hasdonewellrecentlyagainst South Africa also.Iam sure she would play to her potential and make the country proud,” statedGawandewho is coaching Bharti since she was 11 years old. “She was just 11 when her father Shrikrushna brought her to our Sant Gajanan CricketAcademyinAmravati. There were only male cricketersatouracademy.Idecided to take her under our wings. She played with boys and batted really well. “It was because of Bharti that women cricket grew in Amravati.Earlier, there were only boys whoused toenrolforcoachinginAmravati.Bharti,changed that perception,” recalled Gawande. “I wish her luck and hope she make all of us and country proud,” Gawande signed off.