Kalyani Dhokarikar

Kalyani Dhokarikar was one of the more experienced cricketers in Indian women's cricket when they mounted a serious challenge in the Cricinfo Women's World Cup in New Zealand in 2000. An all rounder from Pune, Maharashtra, Kalyani has been the driving force behind the West Zone team for many years now. Although most successful women's cricketers seek contracts or employment with Air India or Indian Railways, Kalyani is content leading West Zone. One of the fitter cricketers in the team, Kalyani has the ability to pace her innings well. Although not a flashy strokemaker, Kalyani is a dependable middle order bat. When under pressure for runs, she often employs her favourite stroke, a hoick over midwicket that invariably fetches her runs. With the ball in hand, Kalyani is a good candidate to open the bowling. She is not the fastest in the country but is one of the most accurate. Her high stamina levels allow her to bowl her full complement of ten overs on the trot, and this is a tactic often used by captains. Her record in first class cricket is impressive, and includes five centuries, fifteen half centuries and a best bowling analysis of 6/67.

(Anand Vasu)