Who is Sajeevan Sajana? Mumbai Indians’ debutant who hit last ball six against Delhi Capitals in WPL 2024 opener
Yesterday, the Women’s Premier League witnessed a dramatic finish, scripted by an unlikely heroine: Sajeevan Sajana. In a nail-biting final over, with Mumbai needing 5 runs to win against Delhi Capitals, the 29-year-old all-rounder stepped up to the plate and smashed a maximum over long-on, leaving the crowd and commentators stunned. This last-ball six wasn’t just a winning hit as it was a moment that catapulted Sajana from relative obscurity to the forefront of the WPL narrative.
Before yesterday’s heroics, Sajana was largely considered a squad filler for Mumbai Indians. Bought for a modest Rs. 15 lakh at the auction, she didn’t garner much attention amidst the marquee signings. But as fate would have it, she found herself at the crease in a pressure cooker situation, with the fate of the match hanging in the balance.
Her innings, though brief, were a masterclass in composure and power. Facing Alice Capsey, a seasoned campaigner, she unleashed the beast within. The ball sailed over the long-on boundary, silencing the Delhi fans and sending the Mumbai dugout into a frenzy.
Her inspiring journey!
Born into a background etched with challenges, Sajana’s childhood saw her late father, an auto-rickshaw driver, toil tirelessly to provide for the family. Then, in 2018, the devastating Kerala floods ripped through their lives, submerging their home and forcing them to seek refuge in a government school hostel. It was within these walls, amidst hardship, that Sajana discovered her independence and unwavering determination.
At just 19, she made her domestic debut for Kerala, stepping onto the field with the same fire that burned within her. Years of hard work and dedication followed. In 2019, she led the Kerala U-23 team to victory in the Women’s T20 Super League, a testament to her leadership and skill. By 2023, she had become a force to be reckoned with in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, scoring crucial runs and taking wickets, playing a pivotal role in Kerala’s journey to the semifinals.
But Sajana’s journey was not without its hurdles. Financial struggles, societal expectations, and the loss of her father cast long shadows. Yet, she never let them dim the light of her ambition. Every challenge became fuel for her drive, every setback a stepping stone to her goals.
And then came yesterday. The final over, the pressure cooker, the last ball. With nerves of steel, Sajana swung her bat, sending the ball soaring over the boundary and etching her name in cricketing history. It wasn’t just a six that won the match; it was a declaration of her resilience, a victory for every dream that dared to rise from the ashes.
With her confidence boosted by yesterday’s performance, she is likely to play a more prominent role in the coming matches. The Women’s Premier League is still in its nascent stage, but Sajana’s story has already become an inspiration. It’s a story of grit, determination, and the power of believing in oneself. Sajana’s last-ball six will remain etched in memory, a reminder that sometimes, the most unlikely heroes emerge from the shadows to write their destinies.
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