Meghalaya’s trailblazing cricketer selected for India C in Challenger Trophy
By Monojit Mandal
With her upcoming participation in the Senior Women’s T20 Challenger Trophy, set to kick off in Ranchi on November 17, Debasmita not only fulfills a personal dream but also carries the hopes of budding cricketers across the NorthEast region of India.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, Debasmita expressed her hope that her selection in the India C team would inspire more girls from the region to pursue cricket as a professional sport.
As the second female cricketer from Meghalaya to achieve this feat after Ajima Sangma, who was sidelined due to injury in her own Challenger Trophy stint, Debasmita’s selection represents a significant milestone for cricket in the Northeast.
For Debasmita, captain of Meghalaya’s Senior Women’s team and a native of Rynjah, this is more than just a tournament, as it’s a testament to years of hard work, sacrifices, and the unwavering support of her coach Saranya RS and her family. “It’s a dream come true,” she shared. “I’ve worked tirelessly for this, and it’s a proud moment not just for me, but for Meghalaya cricket.”
Her journey in the sport hasn’t been without hurdles. In her early years, cricket in Meghalaya faced limited opportunities, as the Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) was not yet affiliated with the BCCI. For pursuing her studies, Debasmita moved to Bengaluru, where she played for Karnataka’s junior categories before returning to Meghalaya when the MCA secured full BCCI membership. Since then, she has flourished in BCCI tournaments, clinching the “Player of the Tournament” title in the NECDC tournament and receiving recognition as the best player among the sister states last year.
In the past three years, Debasmita has undergone rigorous training under Saranya, sharpening her technique and building her mental resilience. “Our approach is simple: focus on the basics, maintain a positive mindset, and trust my abilities,” she said, knowing that these attributes will be crucial as she faces the nation’s top cricketing talents.
As she captains the Meghalaya Senior Women’s team, Debasmita has become a mentor to younger cricketers. “I feel responsible for showing young players what’s possible,” she shared.
“If we want cricket in the Northeast to grow, exposure is essential. With more opportunities, the region’s talent can thrive.” Inspired by the momentum in Indian women’s cricket post the Women’s World Cup and Women’s Premier League, Debasmita sees her journey as part of a broader movement that she hopes will make an impact at the grassroots level.
As she readies herself for the Challenger Trophy, Debasmita’s story stands as a beacon for girls across the Northeast with dreams of representing India. “Dream big and work hard,” she advises, “but remember to trust the process and not get lost in the results. Success will follow.”
