espnstar.com looks at two Hyderabad girls, who have made it to the Indian women's team for the World Cup.

By Sudeer Mahavaadi 

While the former India captain Mitali would play her second World Cup, two left-arm spinners in Gouher Sultana and Sravanthi Naidu would making their maiden entry.

By dint of sheer hard work and some remarkable performances in the domestic circuit, both these southpaws won the hearts of the selectors. Gouher has been with the Indian team since her debut against Pakistan in the last Asia Cup held in Sri Lanka.

Time to make amends

But for Sravathi it is a great comeback after her failure against England in the two matches she played last year. In an exclusive interview with espnstar.com, the two left-armers said they are raing to go and pretty determined to consolidate their positions.

"Every cricketer dreams of playing for the country and playing in the World Cup gives us a special delight. It is the right time for us  to show our potential, " said Sravathi.

"While we considerate ourselves to be fortunate to represent the country, we also would like to say,  the kind of  hard work we have put in over the last two years has eventually paid devidends," she added.  

"We have not let any one down. We have been performing consistenttly and areoptimistic of  our good show in the world Cup.''

Introducing Gouher

Gouher is very short and an orthodox leg-spinner, while her compatrait is tall and can lend her hand with bat if the situation so demands.

Both, however, are outstanding fielders. Gouher moves like a panther in the close-in positions, while Sravanthi can feild any where in the field.

"This has certainly been a plus point for us. We have trained hard on this aspect. And playing matches with boys has also helped us sharpening our fleilding skills,''Gouher mentioned.

Gouher was part of the victorious Indian team in Sri Lanka where India outclassed every team. Making her debut against Pakistan with a three-wicket haul, she bowled superbly in the finals against Sri Lanka.

Watch out for her line

Gouher's line and length are immaculate and when she gets going the best of the batswomen find it difficult to attack.

"I had a dream debut against Pakistan. In the first two matches I did not get a chance. I may not have played big role in India's victory, but utilised my chances to the full. I bowld to the field and hardly gave runs. It was an uforgatable my first experience at international level,'' Gouhar proudly said.

Sravanthi started her career as  a medium-pacer. Like former India cricketer Karsan Gavri, she would bowl both spin anc pace.

But she then restricted herself to a spinner's role.

The change worked

"Yes I used to bowl both but I found it difficult to adjust myself and on my coache's advice, I concentrated more on spin and it really helped me.''

After representing the junior Indian team in Pakistan in 2005, Sravanthi got the chance to play for the seniors when England toured last year.

But Sravanthi does not have very fond memories of the series against England: 'I really cut a sorry figure. I played one ODI and one Test.

"I could have started better"

"It just happens. My debut was not to the expetations and I missed the bus for the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka."

She has now grown in conficdence and says she would leave no stone unturned to cement her place. "Yes this is indeed a great opportunity for me to show my all-round abilities and I will work hard to establish myself.''

They saaid Mitali's inspiration has helped in building their career.

"We have been great fans of Mitali. She is one of the greatest batswomen. We have enjoyed bowling to Mitalakka (sister). She is very difficult to bowl to and has played a great part in our reaching this level.''

To a question whether they learnt anything from former Indian spinner Venkatapathi Ranju and current Indian spinning sensation, Pragyan Ohja (both are left-arm spinners), they said: "We have learnt a lot from them. Raju visits us quite frequently  since we practise at the Gymkhana. They have been of great help to us.''

Shivlal is happy

Former Indian off-spinner and vice-president of the BCCI Shivlal Yadav said: "I personally feel happy for Sravanthi and Gouher's inclusion. They are, I hope, the future stars of India."

In an interseting revelation, Shivlal said this time the men and women's Twenty-20 men's World Championship will be played simultaneously and it will be a great occasion in England.

"Yes why not. It has never happened. The comepetition spirit will be certainly high.''