Inspired by Shane Warne, Salonee Dangore sets sights on dream WCPL journey
Salonee Dangore works as a net bowler for Delhi Capitals in the WPL. Courtesy: Salonee Dangore Instagram
For Salonee, the path has been unconventional - and if she performs well in the West Indies, it might just pave the way for more opportunities ahead.Salonee wasn't always drawn to cricket. In her early years, she was more inclined towards athletics and track and field events, representing Madhya Pradesh in the Under-14 and Under-17 categories. It was only at the age of 17 that Jose Chacko, a Sports and Youth Welfare officer, suggested to her mother that Salonee should consider taking up cricket professionally.Following that advice, she joined an academy in Indore run by former Ranji Trophy cricketer Sunil Lahore - and there was no looking back. She made her debut for Madhya Pradesh in the 2017-18 season and impressed with her all-round abilities.While playing for MP, Salonee had the opportunity to work under former India leg-spinner Narendra Hirwani during a training camp - an experience that helped sharpen her skills. In 2024, she made a switch to Chhattisgarh, a move that proved fruitful. She bagged 15 wickets in six matches and scored 144 runs at an average of 24, including a top score of 56 in the Senior Women's One Day Trophy. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Trinbago Knight Riders (@tkriders)Her big break came when the Delhi Capitals (DC) picked her as one of their net bowlers - a role she has held for the past two WPL seasons. In the upcoming WCPL, Salonee will turn out for the Knight Riders, sharing the dressing room with Shikha Pandey and Jess Jonassen - both of whom have been her teammates at DC.India Today recently caught up with Salonee, who opened up about her upcoming WCPL stint, her inspirations, and her experience with the Capitals.Here are some excerpts from Salonee Dangore's interviewadvertisementFrom shaking hands with Shah Rukh Khan to now playing for his franchise, can we say fairytales exist in real life?Oh yes, absolutely! I'd say that's true because my entire family and I are huge fans of Shah Rukh Khan. I remember my first visit was with my father, and it was during the opening ceremony when we had practice. He was rehearsing for his performance. I had asked my friend Tania - who had previously worked with him - to please try and introduce me to him.Later, after practice, he came over himself to meet everyone. That moment was magical. And now, to actually get the opportunity to play for his franchise - it genuinely feels like fairy tales can happen in real life. View this post on Instagram A post shared by MP SCORE UPDATE (@mp_score_update)Did you have any hint or did the WCPL call up come out of the blues?Not at all - I was just continuing with my training and whatever practice and conditioning work I had going on. Then suddenly, I received an email, informing me of my selection. That's how I found out.advertisementHow did you choose cricket as a profession and any other sport you were interested in?I actually started off in athletics. I used to compete in 100m, 200m, long jump, and triple jump, and I even played at KVS Nationals in those events. One day while practising, there was a local cricket club nearby - Sunil Lahore's club. My mum, who used to be a basketball player herself, was advised by her coach to consider enrolling me in cricket. And that's how my journey in cricket began.How much of an influence did Narendra Hirwani have in your career?A huge role. He didn't just help me become technically sound - he made me mentally stronger too. He worked a lot on my mindset. He showed a lot of belief in me, which gave me confidence. I thought to myself - if someone like him sees a potential winner in me, why shouldn't I believe in myself too? That helped me immensely in my development.
Salonee Dangore worked under Narendra Hirwani at Madhya Pradesh. Courtesy: Salonee Dangore Instagram
advertisementBeing a leg-spinner and an all-rounder, which cricketers have been your inspirations?In the beginning, I watched a lot of videos of Shane Warne. I used to see how he bowled leg-spin in slow motion. More recently, Rashid Khan has been incredibly inspiring - his pace, aggression, and style of leg-spin are so impactful. And as an all-rounder, I really look up to Amelia Kerr. She bowls effective leg-spin and googlies, and contributes significantly with the bat too - her overall impact is very inspirational.How has been the experience of being a part of the Delhi Capitals setup?My experience with DC was amazing. I got the exposure I had been waiting for, and I got to spend time around some absolute legends of the game. Just being in that environment - seeing how they plan, how they carry themselves - it all helped me grow immensely. I also understood what it takes to level up as a cricketer.
Salonee Dangore has been with Delhi Capitals for the last 2 seasons. Courtesy: Salonee Dangore Instagram
advertisementTell us about your interaction with Meg Lanning. Any special words of advice you got from her?I had quite a few interactions with Meg Lanning. Everyone knows what a legend she is, but she's also so grounded. After our practice sessions, when I bowled to her, I would ask her for feedback, and she was always kind enough to share what could be improved.Once, we had an entire session where she discussed how to bowl to specific types of batters - like how to bowl to a left-hander, where to pitch the ball, and so on. She told me, 'You're doing well, keep working hard.' That really meant a lot.Do you believe a decent WCPL stint can, maybe, promote you from being a net bowler to a squad member at DC?Definitely. A lot could change for me through the WCPL - not just with DC, but maybe with other franchises too. If I perform well, people will take notice, and I might get more opportunities. I'm just hoping everything goes well. View this post on Instagram A post shared by MP SCORE UPDATE (@mp_score_update)Any talks you have had with Jess Jonassen and Shikha Pandey to prepare for the CPL?Yes, I do speak to them regularly. We talk about practice, what needs to be done, how to go about things - it's been really helpful.What's Salonee Dangore's success mantra?My mantra is to believe in myself and show confidence. I really hold on to the advice someone once gave me - 'You become what you believe.' I think that's my success mantra.Apart from cricket, what does Salonee Dangore like to do?I love going on road trips with my friends - especially to places surrounded by nature. Anywhere there's a lake or the sea - I enjoy spending time in such peaceful spots with close friends.- Ends
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