Mithula Venkatesh Penrith Cricket Club Women's Cricketer of the Year 2025/26

Penrith Cricket Club | June 04, 2026

What year were you born?

I was born in 2011.

Tell us about your cricket journey. Where did you start junior cricket and the clubs you’ve played for in senior cricket?

I began my cricket journey when I was 11 with Rouse Hill Rams and got the opportunity to play with Hornsby Mollie Dive (U13) representative cricket in my first year. I progressed to playing in the mixed (boys and girls) competition with Hills Barbarians and played Mollie Dive (U13), Margaret Peden (U15) and Brewer Shield (U18) for Parramatta.

Recently, I played my first year of senior cricket alongside my dad and few of my good friends. Currently, I play for Penrith Brewer Shield & Nepean U15 Margret Peden shield. 

If you can share with our readers how you would describe yourself as a cricketer?

I would describe myself as a batting all-rounder, batting at number 3 and bowling right-arm pace in premier cricket. 

What do you enjoy most about playing cricket?

I enjoy the sound of the bat when the balls hits the middle - and when stumps are knocked over. I love being able to push myself to achieve my goals while spending time with my best friends every weekend.

What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket so far?

My most memorable moments are getting a 50-runs partnership with my dad in seniors – making him run for my runs! – and playing the Brewer Shield finals series with Penrith.

Who’s your favourite all-time cricketer?

I love watching Phoebe Litchfield and Mitch Marsh bat. And not to mention the young players in IPL – Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Y Jaiswal.

Who is the fastest bowler you’ve played against?

The opening bowler in the Under 16s Div 1, who tried to take my head off, and I ended up scoring 50+ in that game.

Who is the best spinner you’ve played against?

Both Bethany Lane and Aarna Parwal are really good, and my dad if he can land the ball on the pitch.

Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against? 

The best innings I have ever seen was when I was playing for Hills Grammar in a school competition. My teammate Alish scored 309 runs by himself and remained not out in a 40-over game.

Who is the best wicket keeper you’ve had the good fortune to play with?

Annabel Batty is the best wicket keeper I have played with and is a role model for all young wicket keepers.

Is there a player in your club you think is one to watch – someone who might go far?

Aleena Syeed, our opening batter in Brewers Shield. I love watching and batting with her and she can REALLY HIT the ball from the get-go.

Who are the two players you’ve come to admire most in your club in terms of skills and competitive spirit?

Matilda Lett, my dearest friend, is super competitive and fun to play with. She ensures we all keep our energy levels up and brings the confidence to win for any situation.

In terms of skills, I would say Manorath Gill for technical skills and some of the beautiful drives she can play with ease. She also bowls some amazing outswingers.

What are the two attributes you like to see in a captain and leader?

Two attributes I like to see are:

Confidence in themselves and trust in their team

Calmness and composure when things don’t go to plan.

Which singer/band would you like to see perform live?

I would like to see The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) perform live.

Favourite location, city or country as a holiday destination?

I loved going to Bali, so I would put that as my favourite holiday destination.

Who’s been the biggest influence on your career so far?

My dad has been the biggest influence on my career. He has been there since the very start of my journey, supporting me every single step of the way. Not only has he spent countless hours taking me to the nets, but he also comes to all my games waiting the entire day just to watch me play. On top of that he is the one who trains me the most. His dedication inspires me and I truly wouldn’t be the player or the person I am today without him.

Where do you find inspiration that gets you through challenging times?

I find inspiration in the young kids practising beside me at the nets. Seeing their excitement reminds me of myself when I first started and reconnects me to my raw love for the game. 

Who are the three people in the world you’d love to meet and talk to?

Not really sure.

What do you like to do to relax outside cricket?

Outside of cricket, I like to hang out with my friends, listen to music and stay active by playing other sports or just being outdoors.

What do you do outside of cricket?

I am currently in Year 10 and focusing on my schooling.

Do you have a favourite quote?

‘Theres no such thing as a positive or negative mindset, only a competitive one.’ – My dad

What are your goals for the next season?

I want to continue performing consistently for both myself and my team. Specifically, I am aiming to increase my bowling speed and accuracy. With the bat, I want to consistently score runs at a competitive level.

Can we ask, what would it mean to you to play first class cricket?

Playing first-class cricket would mean the absolute world to me. It would prove that when I put my mind to something I can truly achieve it. Reaching that level would be a dream come true and the ultimate reward for all the hours of hard work and the sacrifices my family and I have made.