It’s a matter of pride to get something named after you: Ravi Kalpana

 For Ravi Kalpana, having her name etched into the concrete at the ACA-VDCA Stadium is as significant a moment in her life as her India debut in 2015.

Ahead of the Women in Blue’s ODI World Cup clash against Australia, Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) has decided to honour Mithali Raj and Kalpana by naming a stand after the former and the gate next to that stand after the latter.

“This is a big recognition. It’s a matter of pride to get something named after you, which will remain even if we are not there any more. It was a dream come true to play for India. I had the same feeling when I got this news,” she told The Hindu.

“This was very unexpected. I am also very happy that the ACA is giving more importance to women.”

That she is getting honoured alongside Mithali, her idol, is just the icing on the cake for Kalpana.

“Mithali Raj, no doubt, was an inspiration for me. I was inspired by her way of speaking and scoring, it’s not just about her cricket. To be honoured alongside her, I cannot express how great that feels.”

While Kalpana did not have a long career like Mithali, she is happy with everything she could achieve and does not have a single ‘what if’ bone in her body.

“I do not have regrets about my career. I only stopped playing due to health issues, nothing else. I am all good now, everything is fine,” she emphasised.