In the world of cricket, stories of prodigies rising to fame are not uncommon. However, the tale of Mahika Gaur, the left-arm seamer, stands out as a remarkable journey from a young cricket enthusiast to a double-international cricketer.
Let’s delve into the inspiring story of Mahika Gaur, a rising star who has already made her mark on the international stage.
Born in Reading, England, Mahika Gaur’s cricket journey began at a young age when she watched an IPL match in Jaipur back in 2011. The match, featuring legendary cricketers like Shane Warne, left an indelible mark on her, and the electric atmosphere at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium fueled her desire to take up the sport. Her journey began with practicing bowling in her garden, and it was evident to her family that she possessed a unique talent.
Gaur’s father, himself a left-arm bowler during his college days, recognized his daughter’s potential early on and became her staunch supporter. He saw the potential in her ability to bowl accurately without any irregularities, a crucial trait for any fast bowler. With his encouragement, Gaur’s cricketing ambitions began to take shape.
Three years later, the Gaur family relocated to Dubai, where Mahika had the opportunity to join the ICC Academy.
It was here that her talent truly blossomed, catching the eye of Chaya Mughal, the future captain of the UAE Women’s cricket team. Mughal, impressed by the young bowler’s high-arm action and dedication, recognized her as a complete package of skills.
The UAE would soon become Gaur’s adopted home, and at the tender age of 12, she made her international debut for the UAE national team.
Surprisingly, the significance of this moment was lost on her at the time, but it was clear to those around her that she was destined for greatness.
Her friends, Theertha Satish and Khushi Sharma, joined her in the UAE setup in 2021, highlighting the magnitude of her early international debut.
In 2020, Gaur’s life took a remarkable turn during a masterclass session with Manchester Originals at the Dubai Expo.
Keaton Jennings and Warren Hegg, prominent figures in Lancashire cricket, were left impressed by her abilities.
What stood out was the discovery that Mahika had a British passport, making her eligible to play as a domestic player in England. This revelation led to her relocation to Manchester in December 2021.
Gaur’s remarkable journey continued in June when she shone brightly in the Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifiers, taking 11 wickets and boasting the best economy rate among bowlers.
Her impressive performances did not go unnoticed, as Manchester Originals added her to their squad for The Hundred.
While playing in The Hundred, it became evident that England had also taken notice of Gaur’s towering talent. In June of the same year, she was selected to represent England A in T20s against Australia A, an indication of her growing stature in the cricketing world.
Gaur’s domestic performances for Thunder, where she claimed 11 white-ball wickets in 13 innings, further solidified her reputation as a rising star.
