Starting from a remote village in Wayanad the resilient journey of Minnu Mani took her as far as naming a junction after her. She is from the Kurichiya tribe, and the daughter of a daily-wage labourer. She remembers a supportive school teacher and district coach who pushed her to play. Daily travel of nearly three hours, involving four bus rides to the KCA Stadium, became routine. Financial struggles did little to deter her path.
Training from school through graduation at the Kerala Cricket Association’s academy, she persisted. Her efforts bore fruit with a strong performance in the 2023 Senior Women’s One Day Trophy. Recognition followed when Delhi Capitals picked her in the WPL auction, and her India debut came during the Bangladesh tour.
SOURCE: The Daily Guardian
