Chandigarh: Chandigarh all-rounder Kashvee Gautam (22) has been named in the Indian women’s T20 squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa, the BCCI announced on Thursday. India will play a five-match T20 International series from April 17 to 27 across Durban, Johannesburg and Benoni, marking yet another significant milestone in the young cricketer’s rapidly progressing career.Kashvee first made headlines by carving a unique place in Indian women’s cricket history, becoming the first Indian woman to claim all 10 wickets in a single innings during a Women’s Under-19 state match against Andhra Pradesh.Her rise continued in 2023 when she was part of the India A squad that won the Emerging Asia Cup in Hong Kong. She later went on to represent India A against England A, further strengthening her case at the national level.In the Women’s Premier League, Kashvee grabbed attention after becoming the most expensive player of the 2023 auction, picked by the Gujarat Giants. Last month, she was also selected for India’s ODI series against Australia, where she delivered impactful all-round performances.She went on to script history by becoming the first woman cricketer from Chandigarh to play a Test match for India during the 2025–26 women’s tour of Australia. In the first innings, she finished as the third-highest scorer with an unbeaten 34.Reflecting on her ODI stint in Australia, Kashvee said her focus was on making an impact in every department. “I wanted to contribute in any way possible—batting, bowling or fielding. Being a team player was my goal,” she said.Speaking about her Test debut, she added, “The Test call came as a surprise. Getting the Test cap and making my debut was huge. Perth is a paradise for fast bowlers, and I learnt a lot from the conditions and the opposition.”Now set to debut in the T20 format, Kashvee said, “Only this format was left. I’m happy to get this opportunity and my approach will remain the same—to play positively and make an impact.”During the ODI series, she scored 43 in the first match, followed it up with figures of two wickets and 25 runs in the second, and picked up one wicket in the third.UT Cricket Association president Saraansh Tandon hailed her selection as a proud moment for Chandigarh, saying Kashvee’s consistency, discipline and hard work had deservedly earned her the national call-up.
