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Deandra Dottin, the explosive West Indian all-rounder, has showered praise on Indian cricket fans for their unwavering support of women cricketers. The 33-year-old, currently in India representing the Gujarat Giants in a women’s cricket league, shared her heartfelt appreciation during a recent interaction in Vadodara. Her comments shine a spotlight on the evolving landscape of women’s cricket in India, a country long known for its passionate cricket fandom.
A warm welcome in India
Dottin, a veteran of the international cricket scene, is no stranger to playing in front of enthusiastic crowds. However, her experience in India has left a lasting impression.
“It is good to see the way Indian fans encourage women cricketers. It’s fantastic to see that women’s cricket has evolved so much since the time I started playing the game,” said Dottin as quoted by Times of India.
Her words reflect the significant strides the sport has made, particularly in a cricket-crazy nation like India, where fans are increasingly turning out to support their female stars.
The Gujarat Giants, one of the prominent teams in the league, have been bolstered by Dottin’s powerful performances, and the local crowd in Vadodara has embraced her with open arms. The all-rounder, known for her aggressive batting and sharp bowling, has become a fan favorite, further amplifying the connection between players and supporters.
The growing viewership in Women’s cricket
Dottin’s career, which began in 2008, has spanned a transformative period for women’s cricket globally. When she first took to the field, the sport struggled for visibility and resources, often overshadowed by its male counterpart. Fast forward to 2025, and the scene is markedly different.
“Finally, it is getting the kind of attention it deserves,” Dottin noted, pointing to the growing viewership and media coverage that women’s cricket now enjoys.
In India, this shift is particularly pronounced. The success of domestic leagues, coupled with the national team’s strong performances on the global stage, has fueled a surge in popularity. Stadiums that once sat empty for women’s matches are now buzzing with energy, a change that
Dottin finds both inspiring and humbling. She said: “People are coming to the stadium to watch our matches. What more can a professional cricketer ask for?”
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The power of fan support
For Dottin, the presence of fans in the stands and the televising of matches are more than just perks—they’re a validation of her craft.
“When fans come to watch you play and your matches are televised, you feel that you deserve to be here. There is no better feeling than that!” This sentiment underscores the profound impact that fan support can have on athletes, boosting morale and driving them to perform at their peak.
Indian cricket fans, renowned for their fervor, have historically reserved their loudest cheers for icons like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. However, stars like Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and now international players like Dottin are carving out their own space in the hearts of the cricketing public. The shift signals a broader cultural acceptance of women’s cricket as a legitimate and exciting spectacle.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
