“When you work hard for something and you get that thing in reward, that’s when you realize that you have worked in a right direction.” – Mona Meshram
It was the culmination of a tough fight, at the same time the start of a lifetime of hard work, fame, and success. Mona Meshram couldn’t describe the moment she was included in the Indian squad any better.
The first woman cricketer from Vidarbha to represent India, Mona Meshram is not any ordinary soul. Exceptionally talented and grounded, she is crossing one milestone after another. What made this former national level volleyball player opt for cricket? Who is her biggest supporter? We explore these and many more questions as we glimpse into the life of this calm and cook cricketer.
Details | |
Full Name | Mona Rajesh Meshram |
Age | 28 |
Date of Birth | 30 September 1991 |
Hometown | Nagpur, India |
Height | 5 feet 6 inches |
Weight | 60 kg |
Coach | Tushar Arothe |
ODI Debut | 24 June 2012 |
T 20 Debut | 26 June 2012 |
Batting Style | Right Hand |
Bowling Style | Right-arm Medium |
Teams Played for | India, Vidarbha Women, Railways Women, India Blue Women |
Mona Meshram Biography
Early Life
As a student, Mona loved volleyball. When her school wanted a cricketer for their team, she went for the trials. Her talent was visible to her coach and immediately decided to include her in the cricket team. However, Mona was hesitant. Not because of the game, but because of the added expenses. Both her coach and her mother assured her and destiny took its path. Mr. Satish Paradkar, her coach, played a crucial role in her development as a cricketer.
Journey
Mona was a part of the World Cup finalist squad. The team lost to England in the final of the 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup at Lords.
Head coach Tushar Arothe played a crucial role in motivating and training the girls. Mona, especially, gained a lot of confidence because of his pep talks. The atmosphere in the dressing room was also very friendly and understanding. Coach Arothe told DNA India in an interview,
“I would not say they lacked confidence. They did not believe in their abilities. It was our job to bring out their best by giving them the confidence, creating a friendly atmosphere, creating match situations at practice, giving them small targets.”
Being a part of the World Cup finalist team, gave Mona confidence in her abilities.
The adulation she, and the entire team received was truly phenomenal. In an interview with femalecricket.com, she said,
-- Advertisement --“And when I reached Nagpur airport, all the media and the family were taking pictures and of course VCA (Vidarbha Cricket Association) people came to felicitate us. When I entered my colony, there were drums beating, loud music playing to welcome us. We danced a lot and the entire colony members celebrated with us.”
Interesting Facts about Mona Meshram
- Mona has won BCCI’s M.A. Chidambaram Award as Junior lady cricketer for the season 2010-11. She scored 623 runs at 1O3.83 in 8 matches in the season.
- Sachin Tendulkar and Mithila Raj are her role models in cricket.
- Mona’s favorite sport is of course cricket. Other than playing cricket, she is a big movie bluff as well. Dangal, Bhag Milkha Bhag, and Bahubali are some of her favorite movies.
- Hrithik Roshan and Salman Khan are her favorite actors and Anushka and Kajal favorite actresses.
- Her favorite liquor is Jameson Irish Whiskey. Mona loves to hog on Indian food or fast food on her cheat days.
- She sometimes relaxes by cycling or by playing golf.
- As a student, Mona used to practice a lot. This resulted in her sleeping during some lectures!
Achievements : Moma Meshram
- BCCI’s MA Chidambaram Award (best Junior lady cricketer – 2010-11 season)
- Runnerup, ICC Women’s World Cup 2O17.
Stats
Batting and fielding averages
| Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | Ct | St | |
| ODIs | 26 | 21 | 2 | 352 | 78* | 18.52 | 655 | 53.74 | – | 3 | 38 | 4 | 10 | – |
| T20Is | 11 | 9 | 2 | 125 | 32 | 17.85 | 159 | 78.61 | – | – | 8 | – | 2 | – |
Bowling averages
| Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10 | |
| ODIs | 26 | 8 | 144 | 119 | 1 | 1/15 | 1/15 | 119.00 | 4.95 | 144.0 | – | – | – |
| T20Is | 11 | 5 | 72 | 50 | 1 | 1/9 | 1/9 | 50.00 | 4.16 | 72.0 | – | – | – |
Family Background of Mona Meshram
Mona Meshram is from Vidarbha region in Maharashtra. Most of her family members are sportspersons. Her sister Sapna is also cricketer. Most other members have represented the state in volleyball. That was the plan for Mona as well. But she chose cricket. Volleyball’s loss turned into cricket’s gain!
Mum’s the Word
Mona has time and again emphasized on the role played by her mother, Chhaya, in her career. Coming from a humble background, pursuing a career in sports wasn’t an easy choice for Mona. Along with the added expenses on diet and fitness, lack of steady income in the initial years was a big problem. Mona’s mother could have asked her to work and contribute to the household expenses. However, she believed in her daughter’s talent and supported her no matter what.
“My mother’s contribution in the success is immense. She worked harder than I did. I usually prefer practising through morning till afternoon. Most of the time, I miss breakfast as well as lunch. But she keeps a track of my sessions. Whenever I’m practising in city, my mother travels close to 5-10 km to deliver me the tiffin, glucose and water bottles,” she told the Times of India in an interview.
Her mother also ensured proper diet for Mona to ensure that she becomes stronger and fitter.
Social Media : Mona Meshram
Mona sharing a beautiful moment with her pet.
Mum’s the world! Mona with her mother.
Mona celebrating her sister’s birthday.
Team that celebrates together, stays together!
With my Central Railways team.
It’s time for the Inter-Railways to begin. pic.twitter.com/NtsghNlsov
— Mona Meshram (@MonaMeshram30) April 26, 2019
One with the Central Railways team.
With @MonaMeshram30 and Afzal sir after the core session today. pic.twitter.com/rJBdeWvoAk
— Poonam Yadav (@poonam_yadav24) February 20, 2019
The gym selfie!
