'Cricket pata bhi nahi tha jab Dhoni sir ko follow kar rahi thi’ – Kiran Navgire's old interview goes viral

The UP Warriorz all-rounder Kiran Navgire has revealed that she is a huge admirer of legendary India cricketer MS Dhoni. During the Warriorz opening clash of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), Navgire was seen holding a bat with ‘MSD 07’ written on it with a marker. After the snapshots of her bat surfaced on social media, now a clip of her old interview has gone viral.

During the interview, Navgire, who plays for the Nagaland cricket team, revealed that she happens to be a Dhoni fan and has been following him since the time when she was yet to learn about cricket. She opened up on her memories while watching the 2011 World Cup final, in which Dhoni finished it off for India to win the title.  However, she went on to say that back then, she didn't use to follow the game or even the World Cup and had no idea where it was happening or if India were in the finals.

“Cricket to pata bhi nahi tha jab Dhoni sir ko follow kar rahi thi. I didn’t know much about the World Cup 2011, where it was happening or if India were in the final. I was a kid then and hardly had any idea about the game. So, the game was being watched at my home also. I asked my brothers about it and they said it’s the World Cup final and India playing against Sri Lanka,” Navgire said.

But in what seems to be tryst with destiny for the Pune-born cricketer, Dhoni's innings in that crucial match and his historic shot to finish the game off left a mark in Navgire's heart following which, she too started dreaming of hitting such biggies to win matches for India. She further mentioned that hitting sixes boosts her confidence.

“The innings he (MS Dhoni) played and the six he hit to finish the game; those things still impress me. I also wish to hit sixes like him. If I’m batting, irrespective of the innings, six maarne se mujhe bahut confidence aata hai (if I hit a six, it gives me immense confidence), and I feel that I’ll score good runs. Isiliye best hain wo (That’s why Dhoni is best),” she added.

Watch video:

mvrkguy@mvrkguy

This made my eyes tear up. #Dhoni is an inspiration. #KiranNavgire

11:15 AM · Mar 06, 2023

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UP Warriorz begin WPL campaign with win over Gujarat Giants

The Gujarat Giants led by Sneh Rana, in the absence of Beth Mooney, won the toss and opted to bat first. The Giants who had already lost their opening match against Mumbai Indians in the WPL curtain-raiser posted a reasonable score of 169 with Harleen Deol scoring 46 off 32 balls. 

Chasing 170, the UP Warriorz did not get off to a good start as openers Alyssa Healy and Shweta Sehrawat were dismissed early into the innings. Meanwhile, Navgire’s brilliant half-century kept UP in the hunt. The 28-year-old all-rounder scored a blistering knock of 53 off 43 balls, including two maximums and five boundaries. After Kim Garth claimed her wicket, Grace Harris and Sophie Ecclestone guided the team to a three-wicket victory with one ball to spare.