In a touching moment that transcended the boundaries of the cricket field, Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya honored his promise to budding all-rounder Kashvee Gautam by gifting her a custom-made bat. This gesture came ahead of the DC vs MI clash in IPL 2025, marking a significant milestone in Kashvee’s burgeoning career as she received her maiden call-up to the Indian women’s cricket team.​

From fan to fellow cricketer: Kashvee Gautam’s inspiring journey​

Kashvee, a 21-year-old all-rounder for Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), has long admired Pandya, even inscribing “HP33″—Pandya’s initials and jersey number—on her bat. Her admiration turned into a memorable interaction during the WPL 2025 Eliminator, where she met her idol. Upon learning about her gesture and her use of a lighter 1100-gram bat, Pandya promised to gift her a custom bat matching her specifications. ​

Kashvee’s performance in the WPL 2025 was nothing short of stellar. She emerged as Gujarat Giants’ leading wicket-taker, claiming 11 wickets in nine matches at an impressive economy rate of 6.45. Her all-round capabilities and consistent performances earned her a spot in India‘s 15-member squad for the upcoming tri-series against Sri Lanka and South Africa, a preparatory series for the Women’s ODI World Cup scheduled later this year in India.​

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Hardik Pandya’s special gesture for Kashvee

True to his word, Pandya presented the custom-made bat to Kashvee ahead of the Mumbai Indians’ match against Delhi Capitals. This act of mentorship and encouragement highlights the camaraderie and mutual respect that exists within the cricketing community.​

Kashvee’s journey from a fan to a national team player, now equipped with a bat gifted by her idol, serves as an inspiration to many aspiring cricketers. Her story underscores the importance of perseverance, dedication, and the impact of role models in sports.​

As the cricketing world watches, Kashvee stands poised to make her mark on the international stage, carrying not just a bat, but the dreams and aspirations of countless young athletes.​

Here’s the video:

Hardik Pandya gifted a bat to the rising Superstar of Indian Women’s cricket, Kashvee Gautam 🌟

– Hardik met Kashvee during WPL & promised her to give a specific 1100 gram bat, A great gesture by MI Captain. pic.twitter.com/fwebavbqzD

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 13, 2025

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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