Punjab: A missed call and a miraculous catch

Punjab: Admired by fans for her cheerful personality and witty repartee, Indian all-rounder Amanjot Kaur struggled between finding mobile network and posing for photos with her teammates last evening. She wanted to speak to her father, Bhupinder Singh, who was distributing sweets to celebrate India’s ICC Women’s ODI World Cup win, but couldn’t get through to him. She tried three times, then asked to call back later and danced to Punjabi songs with her teammates. When asked if she had spoken to her father or coach Nagesh Gupta, Amanjot turned the phone around and said, “I’m not getting network, but I’ll talk to him later. Now it’s time to enjoy the victory.” Always smiling, Amanjot overcame her fears in the crucial World Cup final against South Africa. She fumbled twice before taking a catch from Laura Wolvaardt at deep mid-wicket. “I was terrified to the core. It was the hardest catch of my life because the ball slipped from my right hand. I managed to keep my eye on the ball and put my hand under it a second time, but it slipped again. Somehow, I dived to the ground and caught the ball,” said Amanjot, who became a key member of India’s title-winning team. Although she is the first in her family to play cricket, Amanjot receives plenty of support and advice from her family. “In the morning, I got some advice from my aunt. She knows nothing about cricket, but she suggested I swing without even looking at the ball. My family doesn’t understand cricket that well. For them, if the ball hits the bat, it’s a four. If not, you lose your wicket… I’ve slowly gotten used to things like this,” Amanjot said with a laugh. While his daughter is busy making the country proud, Bhupinder, a carpenter by profession, has a different routine that keeps him busy. He still prefers to open his shop every morning and do his usual chores. However, on Sunday, when the family was sitting down to watch India’s final match, the shop’s shutters were down.

Amanjot Kaur’s Mohali Connection
Amanjot Kaur, who studied at a local college, lives with her grandfather Ishar Singh and parents Bhupinder and Ranjit Kaur. She played for the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA). A resident of Mohali, she captained the Chandigarh senior women’s team for three consecutive years before joining the PCA. Trained under local cricket coach Nagesh Gupta, the young all-rounder had taken a break before entering the World Cup stage anew. Watching her apprentice win the World Cup was an emotional moment for Gupta, who celebrated the achievement in her own style. “What more can you expect from your trainee? Contributing to India’s World Cup win is a new beginning in her career,” she said.

It hasn’t been easy for Amanjot, who recounted the many hardships she faced, including her injury and subsequent recovery at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. “It was a tough time because I needed a break before the tournament. I was lucky to be in Bengaluru and made the most of it. My parents were praying for my recovery. I think it’s all their blessings.” The talented all-rounder concluded on a lighter note, saying, “I never imagined I would wear the World Cup champions’ medal. I remember running on the ground and still not being able to feel my legs. Today I understood the importance of ice baths.”