Girl who Googled her way to US national cricket team

Since then,Anahita has been on a cricket roller coaster. She was in Dhaka recently for the ICC Women’s World Cup qualifiers and even though the US team failed in their bid to qualify for the Cup to be played in India in 2013,Anahita has lived her dream of playing for a national cricket side.

In Chandigarh for a day to visit relatives on her way back,this is what the 26-year-old had to say: “Although,we finished at the bottom in the tournament,it is amazing that the US Cricket Association managed to field a good outfit in the tournament where teams like the West Indies,Pakistan,Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe took part.

We were exposed to top-class cricket for few days in Dhaka. I hope we can have more tournaments and tours in future so that we are conditioned more to the sport.”

Anahita,an all-rounder,was one of six Indian-origin women in the US squad of 18,with Robin Singh as their coach.

Arora’s tryst with the sport began when she lived in Delhi during her school days. She used to play gully cricket with the street boys using a tennis ball.

Anahita grew up watching Sachin Tendulkar on television but to pursue higher education,she moved to the US. Daughter of doctor parents,she kept playing with Asian immigrants in New York.

Recalling those days,Arora said,“I was in love with the sport since childhood. So it was impossible to keep away from it. I enjoyed playing with the Asians during local tournaments. The ICC is doing wonders to popularise cricket in the US.”

Apart from Robin,former Pakistan cricketer Asif Mujtaba too was associated with the US team in Dhaka. Praising their efforts and tips,Anahita,felt,“I hope people like Robin and Mujtaba continue their services for the US team and we are able to absorb their tips in order to emerge more competitive. Also,we can come to India to attend long camps and play in tournaments.”

And Chandigarh is like home to her: “I love coming to Chandigarh,to spend time with my relatives and cousins. I love going to Sukhna Lake,the Rock Garden and also for geris,” added Anahita,who idolises Zaheer Khan and Jhulan Goswami.