She was only 13 when she played her first game for her state, Maharashtra. Representing the U-19 side, Devika Vaidya has vague memories of her first match, but remembers that she wasn’t too nervous despite being the youngest member in the side. A leg spinner and a top-order bat, Devika made quick progress and her two unbeaten centuries in the inter-zonal one-day tournament last season made many sit up and take notice. The selectors too showed faith in her all-round game and she even made her India debut in the T20 international against South Africa in 2014. Having already represented the national side when she was just 17, Devika was also the immediate choice to captain the U-19 side that took part in the Challenger Series alongside the senior Indian girls. With a highly productive domestic season, Devika added another milestone to her growing list of achievements when she was named the best junior cricketer at the BCCI Annual Awards 2014-15. “It feels great to win an award, but there is still a long way to go. The award is a huge morale booster for me. My parents and coaches – Niranjan Godbole and Atul Gaikwad – are very happy,” said Devika who could not be present at the awards ceremony due the ongoing Senior Women’s T20 league. With nobody in the family having played professional cricket before, Devika developed an interest simply by watching the game on TV. “Everyone in my house loves watching cricket. As a kid, I watched lots of games and started liking cricket. I told my brother, I wanted to play cricket and I got enrolled at the PYC Ground Academy.” While she bowls leg breaks now, the Pune girl started off as a medium pacer. “I bowled medium pace initially, but realized my physique was more suited to spin bowling. I tried leg spin and soon found a nice rhythm and have continued bowling spin.” The young girl said she was not surprised to get her maiden India call-up so soon. “Age does not really matter. What matters is your game. I had played well, so I was confident that I could do well. Since it was an international game, I was upbeat right from the start. It was a special moment.” While India won the one-off T20 game, Devika’s three overs went for 30 runs. “There is a vast difference in the level of domestic and international cricket. It was great to bowl at experienced batters who could hit you anywhere they liked. It made me think about the areas I need to bowl. I have gained a lot from that experience.”

Devika said she was particularly delighted to get the award in the same season as her idol and India captain Mithali Raj, who was named the best senior cricketer for 2014-15. “She has been an idol. It is a proud moment for me to be recognized as the best junior cricketer when she has been named as the best senior cricketer.”

Mithali too had encouraging words for Devika. The veteran believes Devika can go a long way if she continues to work on her bowling. “She bowls leg spin and this gives her an edge over others. You don’t find leg spinners in women’s cricket too often. I think as she plays more, she will mature as a player,” Mithali said.