Indian cricketer Minnu Mani said wildlife never created a problem though her house abutted the forest. The situation has now changed.
Published Feb 14, 2025 | 12:00 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 14, 2025 | 12:00 PM
Speaking to South First, Minnu opens up about her home district, Wayanad
It was a Friday. Cricketer Minnu Mani was busy practising in Delhi when a call from home brought her the news of a tragedy in Kerala’s Wayanad.
Later, she took to Facebook and said her aunt, Radha, had been mauled to death by a tiger at Pancharakolly.
“There is an immediate need for sustainable solutions to address this pressing issue,” she posted on 24 January.
With three people killed by wild elephants in 24 hours, Wayanad — and its perennial man-wildlife conflict — is once again in the news. Minnu Mani said her family had never faced any issues with wild animals near their home despite being close to the forest.
“I played freely, without fear,” she said. The fearless days seem to be over. The threat of a wild animal taking yet another human life is real. Fear has now become a constant in Wayanad.
In conversation with South First, Minnu Mani, the first Malayali woman and the first tribal woman to represent India at the international level, speaks about the conflict in Wayanad and her dream of making a mark in the history of Indian women’s cricket. Edited excerpts:
Q: Wayanad is in the news for frequent wild animal attacks, and you lost a relative to such an attack.
A: I was in Delhi on 24 January, busy with my practice, when I received a call from my mother. She usually never calls in the morning, so I sensed something was wrong. As soon as I picked up the call, I could hear the tension in her voice.
Radha, who was killed in the tiger attack.
‘There’s news spreading here,’ she said. ‘A woman named Radha has been killed by a tiger.’
I tried to reassure her, telling her not to worry. But just a few minutes later, she called again, this time crying. Her sobs confirmed the worst. It was my aunt Radha. The authorities, too, confirmed the identity.
That is one moment that I don’t want to relive. I was frozen, unable to find the words to console her. I had heard of such tragedies before, but I never truly understood the depth of pain until it happened in my own family.
Growing up, we never faced any issues with wild animals near our home despite being close to the forest. I played freely, without fear. But now, everything has changed. Our world has turned upside down.
Q: Many sportspersons, like Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik, have voiced their opinions on various political and social issues. Has this ever influenced you in any way?
A: Every sportsperson inspires me, and I truly appreciate their efforts. But for me, sports is my politics. I’ve never been deeply involved in politics, nor do I wish to be.
However, when issues like this arise, we must speak up. My stance is issue-based; I don’t want to add a political colour. Right now, I breathe cricket, and that is my only focus.
Q: As the first Malayali and the first tribal woman to don the Indian jersey, how did that moment feel? How has your life changed since then?
A: I was more nervous than happy when I joined the team. But after a few matches, I gelled with everyone.
Minnu Mani
In the beginning, my parents had no idea that I was part of my school’s cricket team. They assumed I was just passing the time playing in the nearby paddy fields with my cousins. To attend practice sessions, I told them I had special classes and even borrowed money to travel to the ground.
They only realised how seriously I was pursuing cricket when my teacher called them after I was selected for the Wayanad district team.
Since there were no proper training facilities near my home, my selection to a cricket academy was met with resistance. My parents were hesitant to send me because it was far away, and as a girl, they were concerned about my safety.
However, my cousins stepped in, spoke to them, and eventually convinced them to let me follow my passion.
Now, the happiest thing for me is the respect my parents receive. That is the biggest difference. Even ministers have visited our home to appreciate my achievements, and I have received many awards.
This journey hasn’t just changed my life; it has also transformed the background I come from. The year 2023 (when she was called up to the Indian team touring Bangladesh) changed my life in every way.
Q: Cricket has traditionally been called a gentleman’s game, but women’s teams have gained significant strength in recent years. As a woman, was it more challenging for you to convince your community than your parents?
Minnu Mani with her mother and sister
A: In my early days, I received no support from my family. Relatives would say, you’re a girl; you can’t play cricket. It’s a man’s game. In our community, even speaking to boys outside the family was discouraged. It made my journey even more difficult.
My cultural background made the beginning incredibly tough, but I overcame every challenge because of my love for cricket. Those hardships not only made me stronger but also shaped me into someone who can make crucial decisions with confidence.
Q: After your impressive WT20I debut against Bangladesh and your selection for the Asian Games and Australia series, how do you feel as the WPL begins tomorrow?
A: Being a part of the Indian team was a dream come true for me. I watched players like Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Jemimah Rodrigues on TV, and they were my inspirations and role models. Getting the opportunity to share the dressing room with them was incredible. Everyone was friendly and supportive, and Smriti didi has been one of my biggest supporters.
In the WPL, I played three matches in 2023 and five in 2024. This year, my goal is to play even more games. I understand my role well and know what my team expects from me in crucial moments.
Delhi Capitals finished as runners-up in previous seasons, but this time, we are determined to lift the WPL trophy.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
