Aarna Parwal - Penrith Cricket Club Women's Rookie of the Year, 2025-26
Penrith Cricket Club | June 07, 2026
What year were you born?
2011
Tell us about your cricket journey.
I started playing cricket in 2020 with the Baulkham Hills Cricket Club in Stage 2 competitions. As I was younger at the time and needed to play in a team more suitable for my age group, I then moved to Kellyville Cricket Club to play Stage 1 cricket. I played for Kellyville Supersonics for four years, and in 2022, I began playing representative cricket for Hornsby Ku-ring-gai District Cricket Club. During my time in representative cricket, I progressed from Mollie Dive through to Margaret Peden for Hornsby. During my last year of representative cricket, I moved to premier cricket and was fortunate enough to represent Penrith Cricket Club in Brewer Shield.
If you can share with our readers how you would describe yourself as a cricketer?
I’d describe myself as a thinking cricketer and a bowling all-rounder. My main strength is my bowling, which is the aspect of the game I enjoy the most. As a leg-spinner, I like to rely on variation rather than just traditional spin, often using sliders, side spin, and the wrong’un to stay unpredictable and create pressure on batters.
With the bat, I’m not known as a power hitter, but I focus on playing smart, team-oriented cricket. I like to rotate the strike, take quick singles and doubles, and build partnerships. I also look to take advantage of loose deliveries and pick up the occasional boundary when the opportunity presents itself.
What do you enjoy most about playing cricket?
What I enjoy most about cricket is that every game feels different. Some days you contribute with the bat, some days with the ball or in the field, and sometimes it’s about helping the team stay positive under pressure. If I have a good training session I will get be happy. Working hard through training, improving each season, and competing against strong players.
I do love, the teamwork and friendships built over the years, big match moments – taking wickets, scoring runs or saving runs in the field the challenge of improving technique and mindset, the fact that cricket is a game where patience, discipline, and confidence all matter.
Cricket is also one of the few sports where experience and game awareness become just as important as talent over time.
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket so far?
One of the most memorable moments in my cricket journey was representing New South Wales against Western Australia at the All Schools 15U National Championships in Bunbury. In that match, I bowled a full 10-over spell where I took 4 wickets and conceded only 5 runs with 7 maiden overs. I was the highest wicket-taker for the NSW team in that tournament. That was a really special experience as everything seemed to come together perfectly, and being able to perform like that on a national stage gave me a lot of confidence in my abilities as a bowler. It’s a game I’ll always remember because of the atmosphere, the competition, and the pride of contributing strongly and representing the NSW team.
Another recent memorable moment was bowling against one of the best teams in premier cricket, St-George Sutherland. I bowled 4 overs with 23 dots and conceded only 1 run in a T20 game.
Who’s your favourite all-time cricketer?
Travis Head is my favorite cricketer because of the way he plays the game with confidence, aggression, and freedom. He always looks fearless under pressure and steps up in the biggest matches for his team. What I admire most about him is that he plays for the team first and never gives up, no matter what the situation. Watching him inspires me to back myself, stay positive, and always try to help my team in any way I can.
Who is the fastest bowler you’ve played against?
The fastest bowler I’ve played against is Jasmine Smith. She generates genuine pace and bowls with a lot of intensity, which immediately puts batters under pressure. What stood out most was how quickly the ball came onto the bat and how little time you had to react, especially when she hit her rhythm. Facing her was a great challenge because she forced me to stay focused every ball and make quick decisions. It really tested my technique and decision-making, and it’s the kind of competition that helps you improve as a batter.
Who is the best spinner you’ve played against?
The best spinner I’ve played against is Aarush Soni, who is also a family friend. He is a very skilful spinner who bowls with great control and variation, which makes him really difficult to score off. What stands out about Aarush is his ability to read batters and change his pace and flight smartly depending on the situation. He doesn’t just rely on one type of delivery; he mixes things up and keeps you guessing every ball. Facing him requires a lot of patience and focus because he builds pressure really well. Playing against him has been a great challenge and has definitely helped me improve my own approach against spin bowling.
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
The best innings I’ve seen firsthand was played by Willa Pearson in a Margaret Peden semi-final against Manly. Manly scored around 140 runs in total, and Willa made more than three-quarters of those runs herself, including an outstanding century. It was an incredible innings because she carried the team under pressure and showed so much composure, skill and determination throughout the match. Watching someone dominate a game like that and lead from the front was really inspiring to see.
Who is the best wicket keeper you’ve had the good fortune to play with?
The best wicket keeper I’ve had the good fortune to play with is Keerti Vatul. I played a season of Margaret Peden cricket with her, and it was great to see her skills up close throughout the year. She is also part of the NSW U16 Metro side, which reflects the level of talent and hard work she has put into her game. Behind the stumps, she is extremely reliable, sharp with her glove work, and very vocal in supporting the bowlers. Her consistency and game awareness make a big difference to the team, and she is definitely one of the standout wicket keepers I’ve played alongside.
Is there a player in your club you think is one to watch – someone who might go far?
Annabel Batty is an incredibly talented cricketer with a fantastic work ethic. She has represented New South Wales in the 19U All Schools team and is in the NSW U19 Metro squad, which reflects her high level of skill and dedication to the game. Whether she is making a major impact behind the stumps or influencing matches with the bat, she consistently performs at a high standard. She has a very bright future ahead of her, and it’s exciting to see how far she can go in the game.
Another player from my club who I think is definitely one to watch is Aleena Syed. She is a very aggressive batter who likes to take the game on from the moment she walks out to the crease. Aleena has intent and confidence to put pressure back on the bowlers and is always looking to score quickly and shift the momentum of the game. Along with her aggression, she also has a lot of natural talent and ability, which makes her even more dangerous as a batter.
Who are the two players you’ve come to admire most in your club in terms of skills and competitive spirit?
The two players I really admire most in my club are Elise Noble and Isabella Bradley-Labra. Both make a huge difference to the club, not just through their performances on the field but also through the way they carry themselves off it. They consistently set themselves as examples for others to follow and play a big role in leading the club culture in the right direction. Their dedication to the game is outstanding. They always show up with the right attitude, work extremely hard, and bring a strong competitive spirit every time they play. What stands out most is how they lead through actions rather than just words. They inspire teammates to lift their standards and approach the game with more focus and commitment.
What are the two attributes you like to see in a captain and leader?
The two most important attributes I value in a captain are accountability and game awareness.
Accountability is huge for me because a strong leader takes responsibility in both good and tough moments. They don’t shift blame when things go wrong and instead help the team learn, reset and improve. This builds trust in the group and creates a positive team environment where everyone feels responsible for their role.
Game awareness is just as important because cricket is such a tactical sport. A good captain understands match situations, reads momentum shifts, and makes smart decisions with field placements, bowling changes and batting orders. A leader with strong awareness can really influence the outcome of a game by staying one step ahead.
On top of that, I also really admire competitiveness in a captain. A great leader sets the tone with intensity and effort, making sure the team never drops its standards regardless of the situation.
Which singer/band would you like to see perform live?
I would love to see The Weeknd perform live. His music has a great mix of energy, emotion and atmosphere, and his live performances are known to be really engaging. I think it would be an incredible experience to see how he brings his songs to life on stage and connects with the crowd.
Favourite location, city or country as a holiday destination?
My favourite holiday destination is New Zealand. I really enjoy New Zealand because of its natural beauty, peaceful environment and outdoor lifestyle. The mountains, lakes and landscapes make it a perfect place to relax and disconnect from cricket and daily routines. It’s also a great place for adventure activities, which makes it both calming and exciting at the same time.
Who’s been the biggest influence on your career so far?
The biggest influence on my cricket career has been Alana King. As a leg-spinner, I really look up to the way she bowls with confidence, control and variation. She shows that spin bowling can be both attacking and smart at the same time. What inspires me most is her belief in her skills, even under pressure, and the way she competes at the highest level. She motivates me to keep improving my own bowling, work on my variations, and stay confident in my strengths no matter the situation.
Another big influence on my cricket career so far has also been my dad. He is my biggest supporter and inspiration, and he has played a huge role in shaping my journey in cricket. From the very beginning, he has always been there taking me to training, supporting me at games, and helping me stay focused and motivated. He also gives me honest feedback and encouragement, which has really helped me improve both my skills and mindset. What I appreciate most is his constant belief in me, even during tough periods. His support makes a massive difference to my confidence and performance, and a lot of my success so far is because of the impact he has had on my development as a cricketer and as a person.
Last but certainly not least, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my coaches, Zoya Thakur, Glenn Bradley, and David Lett, for their unwavering support, trust and belief in my abilities throughout my cricketing journey so far. Their guidance, expertise and encouragement have been instrumental in developing my understanding of the game and helping me grow both as a cricketer and as an individual. I am truly thankful for the time and effort they have invested in my development and for the positive impact they have had on my journey.
Where do you find inspiration that gets you through challenging times?
I find inspiration by reflecting on my past performances, especially games where I’ve done well or made a positive impact. Looking back at those moments reminds me of what I’m capable of and helps rebuild my confidence when things get tough.
I also draw motivation from watching higher-level cricket and seeing how professional players handle pressure and setbacks. It helps me understand that form goes up and down, but staying consistent with effort and mindset is what really matters.
Most importantly, support from teammates, coaches and family also plays a big role in keeping me motivated and focused during challenging periods.
Who are the three people in the world you’d love to meet and talk to?
The three people I would love to meet and talk to are Virat Kohli, Alana King and Travis Head.
I would love to meet Virat Kohli to understand his mindset, discipline, and how he stays so consistent under pressure at the highest level of cricket.
I would love to talk to Alana King to learn more about her spin bowling strategies, preparation routines, and how she developed her variations and confidence as a leg-spinner.
And I would love to meet Travis Head because of his aggressive but smart approach to batting. I’d be interested in how he prepares mentally and backs himself in big matches, especially in pressure situations.
What do you like to do to relax outside cricket?
Outside of cricket, I like to keep things simple and relaxed. I enjoy watching TV, listening to music, going to the beach, and spending time with family and friends. Sleeping and resting are also important for me, especially with a busy cricket schedule, and I find that switching off completely from the game helps me reset mentally and physically.
What do you do outside of cricket?
I am currently still in high school and balancing my studies alongside my cricket commitments. At the moment, my main focus is developing both academically and as a cricketer while managing my time effectively between school and sport.
Do you have a favourite quote?
My favourite quote is ‘Be like a pineapple — stand tall, wear a crown, and stay sweet on the inside’. I like this quote because it reminds me to stay confident and proud of who I am, no matter what is happening around me. It also highlights the importance of staying humble and grounded while still believing in yourself.
What are your goals for the next season?
My main goals for next season are to win a premiership with my team and continue improving my performance as both a bowler and all-rounder. I also aim to push myself to reach higher levels of representative cricket. I want to work on my bowling variations, while also becoming more reliable with the bat in pressure situations. Overall, my focus is on becoming a more complete cricketer and contributing more consistently to my team’s success.
Can we ask, what would it mean to you to play first class cricket?
Playing first-class cricket would mean absolutely everything to me. It would be the reward for years of hard work, dedication and constant improvement since I first started playing cricket. Reaching that level would represent not just personal achievement, but also all the support, coaching, and sacrifices that have helped me along the way. It would be a dream come true to compete at such a high standard and test myself against some of the best players in the country in longer-format cricket. I would see it as a huge stepping stone in my career and a chance to prove myself on a bigger stage. At the same time, it would also motivate me to keep pushing further, improve every part of my game, and continue striving for higher honours in cricket.
