‘Hopefully there’s few more years left in Virat Kohli’ – Danielle Wyatt-Hodge on India batter’s future [Exclusive Interview]

Dannielle Wyatt-Hodge — CricTracker Exclusive Interview — Excerpts:

You’ve played some fearless knocks in T20s. Is there one innings you feel defines you as a cricketer?

My T20 hundred in the Ashes against Australia back in 2017. It was a must-win game to draw the Ashes as well. To score a hundred for our country in a big game like that, and it was very special, and I will not forget it.

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Who’s the toughest bowler you’ve faced in women’s cricket?

Sophie Ecclestone is tough. I played domestic cricket, she is probably the toughest bowler.

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How do you prepare mentally for big games like World Cups or Ashes?

There will be pressure for every game that you play. I am going to play for England in the World Cup. It’s about how you deal with those nerves. As long as you prepare well in the training and you are feeling good, you give yourself the best chance to come out and perform.

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You’ve played both in England and in franchise leagues worldwide — how do the atmospheres compare?

IPL is very different to any other franchise tournaments. Crowds are just absolutely crazy. Being part of the biggest franchise – RCB is an honour. To play in front of the home crowd at Chinnaswamy stadium is absolutely phenomenal. Most of the crowds were screaming for Smriti Mandhana. It was an amazing experience. Australia’s WBBL’s standard of cricket is really good, playing in Australian conditions is always a test. The Hundred in England is also attracting big crowds. That’s what makes the franchise tournaments so special to be a part of. It’s still a great experience to play around the world and keep getting better.

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What was it like sharing the dressing room with Smriti Mandhana and Ellyse Perry in the RCB Women’s camp during the WPL?

I played with Smriti here at the Brave last three years. She is a very calm, chilled and relaxed character I loved batting with here at Brave. I loved batting with at RCB as well. She actually keep things simple and she is so chilled, which is what required in environments like this. Same with Ellyse, she goes by her business quietly. She works out so hard. To see her workethic, she is an inspiration to a lot of people, including me as I look after players like Paz.

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We know you’re a massive Kohli fan. Do you miss his presence on the field in Tests and T20Is?

No. I wouldn’t say I miss him. I will say it’s a good thing for the teams playing against India. He is a fantastic cricketer across three formats. It’s good that he is still playing for RCB. Any team with Virat in it would be a lot better side. Hopefully, a few more years left in him.

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You’ve played in WPL, WBBL — which league felt the most intense?

Both are very different. WPL got crazy fans craving every ball whereas WBBL is lot quiter. But the standard of cricket is very high in both tournaments. It’s about plucking out the noise if you’re in the WPL as the crowd can distract the players. I love playing in the big crowds, go out and show off.

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One overseas teammate who impressed you the most?

Probably, it’s Ellyse Perry as I’ve seen how she goes by her business quietly.

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Which four teams will qualify for the semi-finals of the Women’s World Cup 2025?

England, Australia, India and South Africa

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Rapid Fire

Six over cover or sweep for four?

Six over cover

Tea break or coffee break?

Tea

Fielding in the ring or on the boundary?

On the boundary

Net session or match practice?

Match practice

Best bowler you’ve ever hit for a six?

Amelia Kerr

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One piece of advice for young girls wanting to take up cricket. 

Just enjoy it

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What’s next on Danielle Wyatt’s cricketing bucket list?

To win the World Cup and T20 World Cup at home next summer.

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Describe these words with a cricketer

• Fearless — Phil Salt
• Stylish — Jos Buttler
• Underrated — Moeen Ali
• Fighter — Tammy Beaumont 
• Calm — Nat Sciver-Brunt
• Genius — Virat Kohli
• Magician — Rashid Khan
• Leader — Joe Root