In recent years, there has been a noticeable surge in women from multicultural backgrounds advocating for greater representation of South Asian females in cricket. Hasrat Gill, 18, whose Indian heritage enriches her journey in Australian women’s cricket, contributes to a newfound diversity in the sport.
Gill, who embarked on her cricket journey at the tender age of 11, passionately believes that diversity enhances the essence of cricket. “If you can increase your audience for the game, it only makes the game better. And it makes cricket in Australia stronger,” she asserts.
“If you have young girls from different countries and backgrounds all enjoying their cricket, it strengthens the pathway. You can strengthen your grassroots, and that naturally extends to the highest levels as well. It’s important and really cool to see that increase in the past couple of years as well.”
Reflecting on her own beginnings, Gill notes the evolution of opportunities for young female cricketers. “When I started, there weren’t any girls’ teams, not even for the under-10s or under-13s. It took a couple of years before those pathways were established,” she recalls. “Now, however, we see these opportunities consistently, and I think it’s good for the women’s game.”
Gill was only three years old when her family immigrated to Australia from the Indian state of Punjab. She recalls always having a passion for cricket, watching the game on television and frequently playing with friends at school. “I was an active kid who loved sports, and cricket just happened to be the one I excelled at,” she says. “I guess I had a natural ability for batting and bowling.”
Her discovery of women’s cricket came during the 2016 ICC World Twenty20, the first edition hosted by India. “That was the day when I realised that there is a pathway and girls do play cricket in this team,” she says.
An all-rounder, Gill began her cricket journey at a local club in Melbourne’s southeast. Swiftly earning recognition, she progressed to join the prestigious Melbourne Cricket Club Academy, ultimately cementing her position in their esteemed first-eleven team.
Transitioning from junior cricket to such a high level was an interesting experience for Gill. “I stumbled upon the academy through someone else,” she modestly recalls.
“Since I was already playing and training with older boys, the transition wasn’t too challenging personally. However, the noticeable difference was the higher skill level. I just took it in my stride, I guess. I didn’t think much about it; I was just 13 at the time. It was something fun.”
Gill was recently selected to join the Australian Under-19s Women’s Squad for a tri-series tour in Sri Lanka, which commenced last month.
When her coach informed her about the opportunity to travel to Sri Lanka, Gill recalls being taken aback. “I was surprised but also really happy. It was something that I really wanted to achieve. Playing for your country at the A levels is pretty cool.”
During her time in Sri Lanka, Gill’s performance in five matches was impressive: she scored 100 runs and took 9 wickets. Her standout performance came against England, where she scored an unbeaten 40 runs off just 30 balls and also excelled in bowling, claiming 4 wickets for 20 runs.
Recalling the game against England, she says, “It’s easy to feel the pressure in such moments, but I always remind myself of a quote I once read: ‘Under pressure, you don’t rise to the occasion, you fall back on your training.’ I believe that my preparation prior to the game has equipped me for any challenge on the field.
“The key in those pressure moments is to stay focused and clear-headed, knowing exactly what needs to be done. In that innings, our priority was to get as close to the target as possible since we were behind the run rate, and fortunately, I was able to execute my plan effectively that day.”
Playing for the Melbourne Stars, the Australian Twenty20 franchise cricket team, during the 2022-23 season was another highlight for Gill. “It was surreal. I had the opportunity to forge friendships with individuals like Jemimah Jessica Rodrigues from India,” she shares.
In the 2021/22 season of Victorian Premier Cricket, Gill accomplished a remarkable feat by securing a hattrick for Melbourne Cricket Club and emerging as the leading wicket-taker with an impressive tally of 26 scalps. This success propelled her into leadership roles, including captaining Victoria Country U15 during the state championships hosted in Canberra in 2022.
Additionally, Gill showcased her talent at the 2022 National Championships held in Adelaide, where she excelled as the second-highest run-scorer and the third-highest wicket-taker for her team.
How does she manage her time effectively to excel both academically and on the cricket field? “It’s about time management,” says Gill. “It’s about having the balance; you don’t want to be overpowered by one. Cricket is very important to me. It’s crucial to who I am and what I do, so studies just give me an outlet in that sense.”
Gill is undeterred by the recent report suggesting that most men from South Asian backgrounds do not make it to the professional level. She believes there could be various factors at play, such as differences in skill level, commitment, or family priorities. “Typically, South Asian families prioritise academic success for their children and may not prioritise sports,” she says, adding, “But that mindset is evolving. There is now a growing diversity across all teams, which is encouraging to see.”
She is happy that women’s cricket has more diverse representation now. “You are also seeing more coverage now, more players becoming household names.”
Having recently completed her Year 12 at St. Peter’s College, Clyde North, and with the cricket season on hiatus, Gill has found some time for socialising, but her commitment to training at the gym and honing her cricket skills remains unwavering.
As she looks to the future, Gill shares her aspirations: “Ultimately, I aim to carve out a path in professional cricket, representing my state in the Big Bash League and beyond. I’m determined to play at the highest level possible, fulfilling the childhood dream that has always burned within me.”
Rest assured, Gill is poised to write the next chapter of her cricketing story, fuelled by the pursuit of her lifelong dream.
The Indian Sun acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government.
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At 18, Hasrat Gill, a rising star in Australian women's #cricket, champions diversity. From Punjab to Melbourne, she shines on the field, breaking barriers and aspiring to reach the pinnacle. 🏏🌟💪🏽🇦🇺🇮🇳 #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/Zzz6viLZQD
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