In a conservative and marginalised environment, especially for women, it is nothing short of remarkable that one of the neighbourhoodтАЩs own, Saika Ishaque, picked up cricket at a young age.
WhatтАЩs more, the тАЬziddiтАЭ (headstrong) player from Park Circus went on to become one of Indian cricketтАЩs breakout stars and rags-to-riches success stories of the year.
In a fairytale-like year, Saika signed a contract with the Mumbai Indians franchise in the inaugural WomenтАЩs Premier League (WPL), completed a title-winning campaign with them and made an impressive debut for India in the recent T20 series against England.
The 28-year-old left-arm spinner now finds herself knocking on the doors of the Test team as India look to build a dominant squad.US Olympian Ibtihaj Muhammad: I showed what Muslim women can do in sport
list 2 of 4
A tribute to Mithali Raj, IndiaтАЩs cricketing genius
list 3 of 4
Photos: At wrestling school in Indian village, women chase a better life
list 4 of 4
WomenтАЩs football set to enter lucrative тАШNewCoтАЩ era but pitfalls remain