A day after being called up to India’s squad for the 2024 Women’s Asia Cup after Shreyanka Patil was ruled out with a broken finger, Tanuja Kanwer made her international debut in the match against UAE. The left-arm spinner later said that she came to know about her international debut only on Sunday morning.

Tanuja has been a bright spot for Gujarat Giants in their 2024 WPL season, taking 10 wickets in eight matches at an average of 20.70 and an economy rate of 7.13. She is known for her bowling skills with the new ball, and for bowling well behind the popping crease. In her debut match, Tanuja came into the bowling attack in the powerplay and took 1-14 in her four overs.

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“I was told this morning that I’m going to make my international debut. I was nervous then. I called my parents to tell them and they were very happy. Although they couldn’t tell me in words how happy they were, I could see from their facial expressions that they were very excited.”

“I am happy to have been given the cap by Renuka as we have been playing since childhood. I have been waiting for this feeling for a long time and it has resulted in very mixed feelings. I would like to thank my parents and coaches who would have been very proud of me,” Tanuja said in a video posted by BCCI Women on ‘X’.

Tanuja is the fourth player from Himachal Pradesh to make her debut for India after Sushma Verma, Harleen Deol and Renuka Singh Thakur. She was presented with her India cap by Renuka, who took a trip down memory lane about being in the same HPCA academy as her when they played the sport in their early days.

“Congratulations TK on your debut. It’s a very big day for you, your family, the whole of Himachal and also for our coach because they wanted us to play together for India. We have been playing together since childhood and are roommates and I have seen your fight.”

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“If your name was not in the squad, you would be lying on the floor the next day, sweating like crazy, while I was sleeping. Your never-give-up attitude is the reason why another player from Himachal is now going to play for India. She has taken us to win so many matches, like in one match, we needed six runs and she hit one off the last ball. I hope she takes India to win many matches,” she said.

Sushma, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter, also took to her ‘X’ account to congratulate Tanuja on her international debut. “Congratulations TK on your debut in the Indian women’s cricket team! The hard work you have put in over the last 10-11 years has finally paid off. Your temperament, composure and calmness have been exemplary throughout this journey. You have consistently risen to every challenge on the field and have shown your dedication and skill.”

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“Now, along with players like Renuka and Harleen, you have joined an elite club. You are the 4th Cricketer from Himachal to wear the Indian jersey. Welcome! We hope you have a wonderful journey and enjoy every moment of this ride.”

“Showing this on Guru Purnima makes it even more special. Our coach, Pawan Sen, is extremely proud of it. The values, inputs and time he has invested in us have proven their worth once again. Keep it up. Make us proud. Make India proud. Make your family and parents proud. We are already so proud of you.”

“Now, along with players like Renuka and Harleen, you have joined an elite club. You are the 4th Cricketer from Himachal to wear the Indian jersey. Welcome! We hope you have a wonderful journey and enjoy every moment of this ride.”

“Showing this on Guru Purnima makes it even more special. Our coach, Pawan Sen, is extremely proud of it. The values, inputs and time he has invested in us have proven their worth once again. Keep it up. Make us proud. Make India proud. Make your family and parents proud. We are already so proud of you.”