Sneh Rana’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and triumph over adversity. From a small village in Uttarakhand to the international cricket stage, her story is an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere.
Humble Beginnings: A Village Girl’s Love for Cricket
Born in a quiet village near Dehradun, Uttarakhand, Sneh grew up in a large joint family surrounded by nature. Cricket was initially a casual pastime with neighborhood kids, but her love for the sport deepened over time. She attended Doon Valley Public School, where she balanced academics and sports. A talented student with an interest in art, music, and painting, she never imagined cricket as a career until she started playing more seriously with boys in her village.
Sneh Rana: School Tournaments and Realizing a Dream
Sneh Rana first taste of success came in school tournaments, but a pivotal moment arrived when she played in a soft ball tournament in Uttar Pradesh. Winning “Woman of the Series” was an incredible feeling and marked the first time she realized cricket could be more than just a hobby. Her family’s unwavering support made the journey easier, despite societal norms that rarely encouraged girls in sports.
After completing 10th grade, Sneh Rana, a commerce student, set her sights on representing India. Inspired by cricketing legends Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami, she was determined to change perceptions about women in sports. Watching her idols fueled her passion, but it was Sachin Tendulkar who had the most profound impact on her cricketing dreams. For Sneh, “Cricket was equal to Sachin.”
A Defining Moment: Village Tournament and Academy Training
A local tournament in her village became a defining moment. Initially hesitant, Sneh Rana hid behind a tree watching the game. However, when she finally joined, she impressed everyone with her performance, leading to an invitation to a cricket academy. Encouraged by her mother and sister, she took the leap and joined the Little Master Cricket Academy in Dehradun. Commuting 10-12km daily, she faced challenges but never lost her enthusiasm.
Her talent soon earned her a place in the Dehradun district team, followed by selections for the Uttarakhand and Haryana state teams. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, she had to move to Punjab, where she graduated and continued her cricket career. Playing for Punjab was a major shift, requiring her to adjust to hostel life and a new team culture. Nevertheless, she quickly made her mark, earning a spot on the Punjab state team in 2011.
Sneh Rana: National and International Selection
The national selection was a rollercoaster of emotions. Initially disappointed when her name wasn’t announced, she was overwhelmed with joy when she discovered she had been selected through a congratulatory message from a friend. This emotional moment reinforced her belief in perseverance and self-belief, despite acknowledging the presence of politics in sports.
Sneh Rana made her international debut against Sri Lanka in Visakhapatnam. Sharing a dressing room with legends like Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami was surreal. The most emotional moment came when she donned the Indian jersey and stood for the national anthem. The roaring crowd added to her excitement, making her realize the magnitude of her achievement. Her debut performance in both bowling and fielding was commendable.
Over the years, she delivered several memorable performances, including a home series against New Zealand where she took three crucial wickets to defend a low total. Her incredible 10-wicket haul remains one of her career highlights. She considers Test cricket the ultimate format, enjoying the challenge of long spells and strategic bowling.
Overcoming Setbacks: The 2016 Injury and Mental Resilience
In 2016, her journey took an unfortunate turn when she suffered an ACL injury due to excessive workload. This setback kept her away from cricket for over a year, affecting her mental well-being. However, her family and friends stood by her, never pressuring her to quit. Determined to return, she rejoined Punjab’s squad in 2017. Although she had initially joined Railways in 2015, she had to leave due to the injury. Her strong performances led to her re-selection in Railways in 2018, proving her resilience and dedication.
Mental health is a subject Sneh strongly advocates for. She emphasizes that athletes face immense pressure, and seeking support should not be seen as a weakness. Talking about struggles helps release stress, and she encourages others to share rather than suppress their emotions. Social media can be both a blessing and a curse, with negative comments sometimes impacting players’ mental health. Staying mentally strong is crucial in handling such challenges.
Personal Tragedy and Unwavering Determination
In 2021, Sneh Rana faced a personal tragedy—the loss of her father. It was a devastating time, as he had played a pivotal role in her cricketing journey. One month later, she had to play again, fulfilling his wish to see her in the Indian jersey. She didn’t initially share her grief, but later realized that talking about it could have helped her cope better.
Read More: Meghna Singh: Small-Town Star to International Cricket
Sneh Rana’s father had been her pillar of strength, shielding her from societal norms that discouraged girls from pursuing sports. Despite financial constraints, he ensured she had every opportunity to chase her dreams. His sacrifices and belief in her abilities were instrumental in her success.
Sneh Rana Achievements and Legacy: Inspiring the Next Generation
Among her many career highlights, her highest score came against England in a Test match that ended in a thrilling draw. Partnering with Shikha Pandey and Taniya Bhatia, she played a crucial role in saving the match. No one expected them to pull it off, making the moment even more special. The entire dressing room erupted with joy when the match concluded in a draw.
Team bonding plays a significant role in cricket, and Sneh has always cherished the camaraderie among her teammates. She idolizes Mithali Raj and admires MS Dhoni’s calmness and strategic thinking.
Sneh Rana’s journey from playing with boys in her village to representing India on the international stage is a testament to hard work, determination, and the power of unwavering support from family. Her story is a reminder that no obstacle is too great when one has the passion and resilience to overcome challenges. From overcoming injuries to making history, she continues to inspire the next generation of cricketers, proving that dreams, no matter how big, can be achieved with dedication and perseverance.
