Ekta Bisht etched her name in the history books of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) on March 4th, 2024, when she became the oldest player to ever participate in the tournament. At the age of 38 years and 25 days, the left-arm spinner stepped onto the field for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) against UP Warriorz.
Replacing a Key Player in a Crucial Match
Bisht’s inclusion in the playing XI came as a surprise. She replaced the young and dynamic all-rounder Shreyanka Patil, who missed the match due to a niggle. This was a crucial encounter for RCB. The team needed a win to maintain their position in the top half of the points table.
Ekta Bisht: A Seasoned Campaigner
Despite her age, Ekta Bisht brings a wealth of experience to the table. She made her international debut for India in 2011 and has played across formats, featuring in 1 Test, 63 ODIs, and 42 T20Is. Throughout her career, she has picked up a total of 154 wickets (3 Tests, 98 ODIs, and 53 T20Is).
A Match-Winning Performance against Pakistan
One of Bisht’s most memorable performances came in the 2017 Women’s World Cup, where she played a pivotal role in India’s emphatic 95-run victory against Pakistan. In that match, she took a five-wicket haul (5/18) and played a key role in restricting Pakistan to a meagre 161 runs.
Ekta Bisht: Continued Domestic Success
While Bisht hasn’t played for India since 2022, she continues to showcase her skills at the domestic level. In the December 2023 WPL auction, she was picked up by RCB for INR 30 lakhs. Additionally, she was part of the Velocity team led by Mithali Raj in the Women’s T20 Challenge.
Ekta Bisht’s inclusion in the WPL not only adds experience and depth to the RCB squad but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers, demonstrating that age is just a number and passion can keep one going strong.