Kashvee's hard work, talent pays off

EVEN before Kashvee Gautam went unsold in the first auction earlier this year, her coach Nagesh Gupta had a message for the youngster. "I told her, 'your name getting shortlisted is a big achievement in itself. If you get selected, well and good, if you don't, keep working harder'. Ek na ek din ho jayega. (It will happen one day)." In less than 10 months, Gupta's heartbeats were through the roof when Gujarat Giants, UP Warriorz and Royal Challengers Bangalore were involved in a tussle for the uncapped 20-year-old, who ended up with a paycheck of ₹2 crore from Gujarat.

- KALYANI MANGALE

"At one time, they stopped at around ₹70 lakhs, and it was tense," Gupta told this daily. "We were hoping for her to get selected, but the amount she received is life-changing for Kashvee. Annabel Sutherland was the only other player to see multiple franchises vie for a player like this; she is one of the more established players. And getting this as an uncapped player is just surreal. I THEY am sure she will learn a lot and grow more. I must say, Gujarat have got a hardworking player," the proud coach added.