SAJANA SAJEEVAN - CRICKETER

In April 2024, Sajana Sajeevan got her maiden call up to the national women's cricket team on the back of a 12-year domestic career that began in the paddy fields of Wayanad, Kerala.

- 

Growing up in the district's Mananthavady town, Sajeevan spent most of her time outdoors. This bond has helped her build awareness about environmental shifts, especially since 2018, when floods swept away her house, belongings and cricket kit. In an interview with Dakshiani Palicha, Sajeevan explains her bond with nature and unseen climate change impacts on sport:

Growing up in Wayanad, you have lived close to nature. Has that in any way helped shape you into a sportsperson, or gave you an edge over other sportspersons, apart from the training you have received?

Wayanad is a hill station and is naturally very beautiful. It may be one of the best tourist places in Kerala. Growing up here means being surrounded by greenery, clean air and open space. It naturally makes me want to stay active and connected to the environment. I have spent much of my childhood outdoors, running, playing or climbing trees. It has helped me improve my fitness. I also started to play cricket on my grandmother's farm. This closeness to nature also teaches you discipline, balance and makes you gain respect for your surroundings. These are values that I have carried into my games as a cricketer.

Wayanad is often impacted by climate vagaries, especially in recent years. You have spoken about how the 2018 floods in district washed away your home and belongings. Could you elaborate on the devastation you witnessed?