Herald: You have been assisting Devieka for the Goa team. What is your job as assistant coach?
Anuradha Redkar: My job under coach Devieka is to help out in the fielding department.
H: Tell us about your experience at the recently held Senior Women’s One Day League at Eden Gardens.
AR: It was awesome watching Goan team doing well at Eden Garden and a great achievement under the captainship of Shikha Pandey and Devieka. Being a part of the champions team feels great. Beating Bengal at Eden Garden for the second time was great effort of the team. Old memories cherished as three years ago we had won the T20 championship at the same venue.
H: Did your parents support you when you choose cricket? What difficulties did you face?
AR: My parents were always with me and because of my family I am here assisting the team. My family is my support system.
H: Since when have you been involved in the game?
AR: From childhood I have been involved in sports and cricket was always my first choice as I played the sport with my siblings every day.
H: How were you selected for the Goa team?
AR: During my days I was an all rounder and used to play quite well besides there were no competitions in cricket for women in Goa as such I got easily into the team.
H: For how many years were you the captain of Goa team and how did you manage the team?
AR: I was the captain for three years. When BCCI took over women’s federation in 2006 I was the first one to lead the team. I was lucky to have a coach like Sandeep Naik who guided me and helped me to manage the team. I am at this position only because of coach Sandeep and also thankful to Goa Cricket Association for giving me an opportunity to work as a coach.
H: Anything else you would like to say?
AR: Women’s cricket got recognition because of BCCI and Goa cricket came into limelight because of opportunities given by GCA on par with boys. GCA has done a lot for women’s cricket and I am very much thankful to the association.
