Meet Jintimani Kalita, the 22-year-old all-rounder who refused new clothes and jewellery as a child as she wanted only a cricket bat; she has now made her India ODI debut against Zimbabwe, only the 2nd cricketer from Assam to play for India

As a child, Jintimani Kalita was fascinated by cricket bats. New clothes and jewellery did not excite her as much as the thought of playing cricket. Today, the 22-year-old from Assam has taken a significant step towards the dream she pursued from a young age: representing India.Kalita made her One Day International (ODI) debut against Zimbabwe in Vadodara on October 23, becoming only the second woman cricketer from Assam to represent the Indian senior team, after wicketkeeper-batter Uma Chetry.Her journey from Mangaldoi, a town in Assam, to the Indian dressing room has involved years of domestic cricket, training with borrowed equipment and opportunities that gradually brought her closer to the national side.How her cricket journey beganKalita's introduction to cricket came through her younger brother. She would accompany him to a cricket coaching centre in Mangaldoi, where a coach encouraged her to try the sport herself.Her parents eventually agreed to let her pursue cricket after some convincing. She began training and worked her way through the domestic system, representing Assam from the 2019-20 season.The early years were not easy. According to The New Indian Express, Kalita trained alongside boys and played with borrowed cricket kits and shoes. Her father worked as a fourth-grade employee in the state government, making the expense of cricket equipment a challenge for the family.But she continued to pursue the sport, gradually building her reputation as a seam-bowling all-rounder who bats left-handed and bowls right-arm medium-fast.The WPL opportunity that changed thingsIn 2023, Kalita was bought by Mumbai Indians for Rs 10 lakh at the inaugural Women's Premier League (WPL) auction. She became the first woman cricketer from Assam to be signed by a franchise in the tournament.The contract was significant for more than the opportunity to play alongside established international cricketers. It also allowed her to contribute financially to her family.In an earlier interview with The New Indian Express, Kalita spoke about the importance of being able to give back to her parents and pay for her own needs. As the eldest child in the family, she saw the earnings as an opportunity to support her household while continuing to focus on cricket.She subsequently played for Mumbai Indians in the WPL before moving to Gujarat Giants, who signed her as an injury replacement in January 2026. She did not get an opportunity to play for Gujarat Giants during that season.From India A to the senior teamKalita continued to work towards a place in the national side. In 2026, she featured in India A assignments, including tours involving England and Australia A.These opportunities gave her experience against international opposition and helped her prepare for the demands of senior-level cricket.She was first selected for India's T20I series against Zimbabwe in October. However, she did not feature in any of the three matches, which India won to complete a 3-0 series sweep.Her opportunity arrived just before the ODI series began. On October 22, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that Kalita would replace Renuka Singh Thakur in the ODI squad. Renuka was ruled out as she continued to build up the bowling workload required for the 50-over format.Kalita was subsequently named in India's playing XI for the opening ODI on October 23. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur presented her with her maiden India cap.What happened in her debut match?Kalita made an early contribution with the ball in her first international appearance. She bowled five overs, conceding 23 runs without taking a wicket, as India restricted Zimbabwe to 197.India then chased down the target, reaching 200 for one in 27.1 overs to win by nine wickets. Pratika Rawal remained unbeaten on 100, while Shafali Verma scored 64 not out.Although Kalita did not take a wicket, her debut marked the culmination of years of work across domestic cricket, franchise cricket and India A assignments.Why her debut matters for AssamKalita's achievement is significant for women's cricket in Assam. She follows Uma Chetry as the second woman from the state to represent India's senior team.Her journey also highlights the role that domestic cricket, franchise tournaments and India A opportunities can play in helping players progress towards the national side.For Kalita, the India cap represents a new beginning rather than a final destination. The child who wanted a cricket bat more than new clothes or jewellery has now stepped onto the international stage, with the opportunity to establish herself in the Indian team.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ testGet the latest Lifestyle News and more. Download the TOI app.