Shree Swarup Penrith First Grade Cap #71
Penrith Cricket Club | March 16, 2026
What year were you born?
2005
Tell us about your cricket journey. Where did you start junior cricket and the clubs you’ve played for in senior cricket
My cricket journey started when I was 12 years old, when I first joined Cranebrook Cricket Club for junior cricket. That’s where I developed my love for the game and began learning the fundamentals of playing competitively. As I progressed, I earned the opportunity to step into representative cricket and joined Penrith as my first rep team.
Throughout the years I did move around and experience different environments, which helped me grow both as a player and as a person. Those experiences taught me different styles of cricket and allowed me to develop resilience and adaptability on the field. Eventually, my journey brought me back to where it all felt right, settling back at Penrith, where I now compete in First Grade.
Along the way, I’ve also had the incredible opportunity to play internationally in India, and I captained our team at an ICC WBBI Kartini Cup T20 and T10 in Indonesia. Representing my country and leading the team in an international setting was a huge milestone, and it’s an experience that not only shaped me as a player but also as a leader.
If you can share with our readers how you would describe yourself as a cricketer?
I would describe myself as a bowling all-rounder. My main role in the team is with the ball, where I usually open or first change in the bowling and look to set the tone early by building pressure and taking key wickets at the top of the order. With the bat, I typically bat at number 9, where my role is to add valuable runs down the order and support the top and middle order when needed.
What do you enjoy most about playing cricket?
What I enjoy most about playing cricket is how competitiveness and teamwork work hand in hand. Cricket is naturally a very competitive sport where every player wants to perform and push themselves to be better. That competitive drive lifts the standard of the whole team and creates an environment where everyone is striving to improve.
At the same time, that competitiveness only works because of the team environment. Every player has a role, and success comes from collaborating, trusting each other, and working towards the same goal. Whether it’s building pressure as a bowling unit, forming partnerships with the bat, or supporting each other in the field, the competitive nature of the game actually strengthens the way the team works together.
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What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket so far?
One of my most memorable moments in cricket came during Round 7 of a match where the weather conditions were extremely challenging. It began raining heavily, with very strong winds, and we had to quickly run out to put the covers back on the pitch. The wind and rain were so intense that it made it very difficult to control the covers, and at times some of the girls were almost being lifted by the wind while trying to hold them down. Eventually, the match had to be declared a draw because the conditions made it impossible to continue. However, despite the disruption, it turned into a very memorable experience for the team. With the field completely soaked, it ended up becoming a bit of a slip-and-slide, and it created a lot of laughter and bonding among the group.
Who’s your favourite all-time cricketer?
My favourite all-time cricketer is Hardik Pandya. I admire the way he plays the game with confidence and belief in his own ability. As an all-rounder, he has the ability to influence the match with both bat and ball, which is something I really look up to. What stands out the most to me about Hardik is his mindset. Throughout his career he has faced criticism and a lot of outside noise, but he has shown the ability to block that out and stay focused on his game. He continues to back himself, work on his skills, and perform under pressure. That mentality of cutting out distractions and concentrating on what you can control on the field is something I really respect and try to apply to my own cricket as well.
Who is the best spinner you’ve played against?
The strongest spinner I’ve played against has to be Mayher Singh. What makes her so exceptional is the way she combines sharp leg spin with pace. She’s able to deliver the ball quicker than most spinners while consistently hitting the length, which immediately puts pressure on the batter. If she’s able to pull you out of your crease, it becomes extremely difficult to recover, because the speed and spin together force you to make quick decisions and often disrupt your timing.
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
The best innings I’ve seen firsthand while playing was earlier this year when we were versing Gordon. In that match, Elsa Hunter and Ami Campbell both scored 100+ runs and put together an extremely strong partnership. At the time, it was tough to watch as a competitor, because they completely dominated the game.
But looking back and reflecting, what really stands out is the aggression and confidence they played with. Their ability to seize control of the game and apply pressure consistently is something I really admire, and it’s a style of batting that I am trying to incorporate more into my own game. Watching innings like that reminds you how much mindset, intent and composure matter at the crease.
Is there a young player in your club you’d like to nominate as a player to watch?
A young player in my club I’d definitely nominate as a player to watch is Mithula Venkatesh, a talented pace bowler. What stands out about her is how remarkably consistent she is with the ball, regularly taking key wickets and putting the opposition under pressure. But she’s not just a bowler. Mithula also contributes with the bat, scoring consistent runs throughout the series and
showing that she’s a true all-rounder. Her dedication, skill and ability to perform in both departments make her a player with huge potential, and I’m excited to see how far she can go in her cricket journey.
What are the two attributes you like to see in a captain and leader?
Two attributes I value most in a captain and leader are clear communication and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Clear communication ensures everyone in the team understands their role and what is expected of them. When a captain communicates well, it builds trust within the group and helps the team work together more effectively on the field.
Staying calm works hand in hand with communication, especially in cricket where momentum can change quickly. A leader who remains composed can make better decisions in high pressure environments and helps keep the team focused and confident, even when the game is not going in their favour. Together, these qualities create a positive environment where players feel supported and motivated to perform at their best.
Which singer/band would you like to see perform live?
The band I would most like to see perform live is Coldplay. I’ve always enjoyed their music and the energy they bring to their live performances. They were actually in Sydney not too long ago, but unfortunately I missed the chance to see them perform. Hopefully next time they come back, I’ll go and experience one of their concerts live. I think it would be an amazing atmosphere and something I’d definitely remember for a long time.
Favourite location, city or country as a holiday destination?
One of my favorite locations as a holiday destination would be Jaipur in India. What makes Jaipur truly special for me is the people there. The hospitality and humble nature they welcomeus with is something that goes beyond sightseeing. I'm a huge history fanatic so I love the historical culture which is rooted there.
Who’s been the biggest influence on your career so far?
The biggest influence on my cricket career so far has definitely been my dad. From the very beginning, he has been my mentor, supporter and motivator, guiding me not just in developing my skills, but also in shaping my mindset as a player. He’s always emphasised the importance of discipline, hard work and staying focused, and he’s been there through the highs and lows, celebrating successes and helping me learn from setbacks. His encouragement and belief in me have given me the confidence to push myself on and off the field.
For me, his influence goes beyond cricket; it's about values, resilience, and commitment. Everything I’ve achieved so far has been built on the foundation of the guidance and support he has given me throughout my journey.
Where do you find inspiration that gets you through challenging times?
I find inspiration during challenging times from a combination of my support system and the game itself. My family has always been a constant source of encouragement. They remind me to stay focused, keep perspective, and push through even when things feel tough. I also draw motivation from the challenges within cricket itself. The game constantly teaches you resilience: whether it’s bouncing back after a poor performance, adapting to difficult conditions, or taking responsibility in high-pressure moments, cricket shows that growth comes from persistence and mindset.
Who are the three people in the world you’d love to meet and talk to?
The three people I’d most love to meet and talk to are Hardik Pandya, Tam Kaur and Iman Gadzhi.
I’d love to meet Hardik Pandya because of his incredible mindset and the way he handles pressure on the field. Talking to him about his approach to the game, how he blocks out distractions, and continues to perform at the highest level would be really inspiring.
Tam Kaur is someone I admire for her resilience and leadership. Hearing her perspective on life, her experiences, and how she navigates challenges would be incredibly motivating and insightful.
Lastly, Iman Gadzhi, a global entrepreneur and business educator, inspires me with his focus, discipline, and drive. Meeting him would be an opportunity to learn about mindset, resilience, and building success through consistent effort, which are qualities I aim to apply both in cricket and in life.
What do you like to do to relax outside cricket?
Outside of cricket, I like to focus on my business ventures, which I work on alongside a couple of successful entrepreneurs. I really enjoy spending my time building ideas and learning from people who have achieved a lot in their fields. Working on my business is not just about the end goal; it’s about the process of problem solving and growth. It’s something that challenges me in a different way from cricket, and I find it incredibly rewarding to see progress and results from the work I put in. Balancing cricket with this entrepreneurial side of my life keeps me motivated and engaged, even when I’m off the field.
If working, what do you do and name of business (we will give them a plug), if at Uni what are you studying?
I am studying a Bachelor of Science majoring in chemistry at UTS.
Do you have a favourite quote?
‘Embarrassment is an under explored emotion – go out and make a fool of yourself.’
What are your goals for the next season?
My goals for the next season are to continue developing as a player and contributing consistently to the team. With the ball, I want to maintain my role as an effective bowler, taking key wickets and building pressure for the team. With the bat, I aim to add valuable runs down the order and support partnerships when the team needs it most.
Beyond individual performance, I also want to focus on strengthening team cohesion and leadership, helping create an environment where everyone can perform at their best. Ultimately, my goal is to keep improving every game, contribute to team success, and make the next season one of growth, consistency, and achievement.
Can we ask: what would it mean to you to play first class cricket?
Playing first class cricket has been about honouring the journey as much as it has been about the game itself. From my first days at Cranebrook Cricket Club, to my first rep team at Penrith, and eventually settling back into First Grade, every step has come with its challenges and lessons. Looking back, I realise that the obstacles and setbacks I faced along the way all happened for a reason.
It’s funny because in the moment, you often can’t see the bigger picture, you feel frustrated, unsure, or even disappointed but with time, you start to understand that those experiences were shaping you. The decisions, the moves, the challenges weren’t just random; they were preparing me for this stage in my cricket journey.
Playing first class cricket now, I see it as an opportunity to honour every moment of that journey, the highs and the lows, and to appreciate that the path I’ve been on has brought me to exactly where I’m meant to be. It’s a reminder that every challenge has value, even if it isn’t clear at the time.
Join the Captains Circle - Scenario 2 - When Silence Becomes a Decision
