Women’s CricZone raises more than 170,000 INR for S Sajana and Minnu Mani

Daughter of an auto driver, Sajana S, recently lived her dream of sharing the dressing room with the legend Jhulan Goswami when she represented India Green in the T20 Challenger Trophy. She also played against Mithali Raj, and in the past scored an 84-ball 100 against Tamil Nadu in an Under-19 inter-state 50-over match; the fastest recorded century in age-group women’s cricket in India.

Before she left for Bangalore for the T20 Challenger Trophy, her house was damaged by the Kerala floods; which affected several people. Her house was waterlogged for two-three days, and she had to rely on the rescue team to get her out of the place. Once her family was safe, she travelled to Bangalore for the tournament.

“I don't know how to express my feelings. Thank you so much who took the risk for me,” Sajana told Women’s CricZone even while extending her gratitude to everyone who chipped in with funds. “Currently, the situation has improved.”

Minnu lives in the Kerala Cricket Association’s residential academy in Thiruvananthapuram, but her house in Wayanad was also severely damaged. Her family was left only with a small shed in their home which was in livable condition.

A third-year BA, Economics student, Minnu, who looks up to Jonty Rhodes, is a great athlete. Because of her outstanding fielding, Kerala won few matches in the Under-19 tournament last year. “For me, this is a very big support from all of you. Thank you, everyone, from me and my family for standing with me during a bad situation,” she said.

Suman Sharma, the Kerala coach, who played a key role in coordinating the fund-raising exercise was thankful to everyone who supported including two current India cricketers – Sushma Verma and Shikha Pandey.

“I am very thankful to the people who came forward to support these Kerala players, who were badly affected by flood in Kerala. Now they can focus more on their game. I am thankful to Women’s CricZone for taking this initiative.”