BENGALURU: Sometimes, all it takes to unlock potential is a single spark—a moment where raw ability meets the right opportunity. For four young women, the WPL “Speed Queen” initiative has served as that catalyst, transforming them from hopeful aspirants into the country’s most exciting pace-bowling prospects.
Out of an initial pool of over 13,000 registrants, these four athletes—Akshita Bhagat, Palak Singh, Rohita Chowdry, and Joshna Angel—emerged from a grueling selection process that narrowed 7,500 trial participants down to 56 finalists. Today, they represent the future of Indian women’s cricket, currently sharpening their skills under the watchful eye of coach Krishna Kumar at the prestigious BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE).
Akshita Bhagat: The Fast-Track Prodigy
The most immediate success story belongs to 19-year-old Akshita Bhagat. A Mohali native, Akshita’s transition from gully cricket to the national stage has been meteoric. Last month, her hard work culminated in a call-up to the India ‘A’ one-day squad for the upcoming series against Australia ‘A’.
Akshita, who originally entered the sport as a batter before pivoting to pace, credits the Speed Queen program for providing the tactical depth she lacked. “The coaches worked on our basics and tactics. I learned what I need to work on, but more importantly, the value of relentless hard work,” she said. Drawing inspiration from legendary speedster Dale Steyn and all-rounder Ellyse Perry, Akshita notes that the CoE facilities have been a revelation. “I didn’t expect to reach the CoE so soon. When I started, playing for India was a dream, but I didn’t think I would be taking such significant steps toward it this early.”
Joshna Angel: The Pocket Dynamo
At just 15 years old, Chennai’s Joshna Angel is already making noise in the domestic circuit. A natural athlete who clocked a blistering 108 kmph during trials, Joshna’s journey began during the quiet isolation of the Covid-19 lockdowns. Guided by her father, former Tamil Nadu medium-pacer R. Jesuraj, she has quickly climbed the ranks in state-level U-15 and U-19 cricket.
Beyond the raw numbers, the CoE camp has instilled in her the discipline required for elite sports. “One of the key lessons has been maintaining focus and consistency with my diet and fitness regimen,” Joshna shared. During her time at the facility, she has had the unique opportunity to interact with international stars like Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson, experiences that have only solidified her singular ambition: “I want to play for India.”
Palak Singh: Harnessing Height and Speed
For 15-year-old Palak Singh, the shift from athletics to cricket has proven fruitful. Possessing the frame of a natural fast bowler, she clocked an impressive 108 kmph at the zonal trials. While she admires the intensity of Australian icon Mitchell Starc, Palak is quick to realize that in the modern game, pace is merely the foundation.
“Coming here is a massive opportunity,” Palak noted. “I’ve learned that a bowler needs more than just speed; they need accuracy, consistency, swing, and variety.” With a clear pathway now mapped out, she is eyeing a spot in the India U-19 team. Having cut her teeth in state-level age-group tournaments, she believes the technical mentorship at the CoE will provide the necessary polish to turn her natural velocity into a lethal weapon.
Rohita Chowdry: The Comeback Story
The most seasoned of the quartet, 24-year-old Rohita Chowdry, brings a unique perspective to the pace-bowling unit. A former heptathlete with a background in international relations and journalism, Rohita was at a career crossroads before the Speed Queen initiative reignited her passion.
“I was struggling to secure my place in the senior Karnataka team and was hesitant to even participate,” she admitted. “But the event became a ray of hope.” Clocking speeds as high as 109 kmph, Rohita has found her rhythm again. The CoE has been a transformative experience for her, bolstered by a memorable conversation with VVS Laxman, the head of cricket at the center. Looking toward the future, she aims to emulate the longevity of the legendary Jhulan Goswami, proving that even after a challenging period, the right guidance can put a career back on the fast track.
The Road Ahead
The success of these four women underscores the importance of widespread talent hunts in unearthing talent that might otherwise remain hidden. By moving beyond traditional selection pipelines, the Speed Queen initiative has identified athletes who possess not just the pace, but the mental fortitude and hunger to compete at the highest level.
As these four young bowlers continue their training under the elite coaches at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, the Indian cricketing fraternity is watching closely. Their journey—from local grounds to the national center—is a testament to the fact that when the spark of talent is nurtured with professional intensity, the results can be nothing short of international quality.
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