Biography

Rajeshwari has become one of the most reliable and consistent performers in Indian women’s cricket. A slow left-arm orthodox spinner who possesses a lethal combination of flight, spin, and bounce, Gayakwad can play the dual role of choking the scoring and picking up wickets at crucial moments.

Gayakwad started playing professional cricket around the age of 18 when she was picked for the Karnataka Women’s squad. Her father was her biggest inspiration and got her formal coaching, nurturing her cricketing ambitions. After proving herself in the domestic circuit with Karnataka, the Bijapur-born spinner earned her big break in 2014 when she was selected for the national squad. However, Tragedy struck early in her international career when Gayakwad lost her father to a cardiac arrest in 2014, right after her debut international series against Sri Lanka.

She announced her arrival with a spectacular spell of 7.3 overs, 3 maidens, 11 runs, and 2 wickets, helping bowl out the visiting Sri Lankan side for just 76 runs. Later in the same series, she made her T20I debut and shone again with frugal figures. Just a few months after her ODI and T20I debuts, Gayakwad made her Test debut against South Africa in Mysore and played a vital role in helping India beat South Africa, picking up five wickets in the match. Her early performances established her as India’s go-to left-arm spinner across formats.
 

Gayakwad was part of the Indian team that reached the final of the 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup in England, where India lost to England by nine runs in a heartbreaking finish. Throughout the tournament, she bowled economically and picked up crucial wickets regularly.

Gayakwad has been a regular feature in domestic T20 leagues. In the Women’s Premier League, she has represented Gujarat Giants, bringing her experience and left-arm spin to the franchise. She has also represented the Trailblazers in the Women’s T20 Challenge, contributing to the tournament that served as a precursor to the WPL.