In 2023, Shreyanka Patil arranged an agreement in the Women’s Premier League (WCPL) after Guyana Amazon Warriors was selected. Previously, cricket Bengalur has already created a name for the Women’s Premier League (WPL), which is Royal Challengers Bengalur (RCB) on Indian soil.
But Salonee Dangore is a little different – and quite unique. She did not play either for India or in WPL, but she landed an overseas agreement with Trinbago Knight Riders for WCPL 2025.
It is a rare performance at any level, especially in the Indian cricket, for players without top experience to pack the T20 franchise agreement. Traditionally, players like Jemimah Rodrigues, Mandhan, Rich Ghosh and Deepti Sharma, they only acquired their foreign treaties after they have shown on the international scene for India. Salonee Dangore works as a clean pitch for Delhi Capitals in WPL. With a kind permission: Salonee Dangore Instagram
For Salonee, the journey was unconventional – and if it behaves well in West Indies, it can only prepare the way for other opportunities ahead.
Salonee has not always been attracted to cricket. In her early years, she was more inclined to athletics and events in the field of monitoring and field and field events in categories under 14 years and under 17 years. Only at the age of 17 Jose Chacko, an officer of the social security of sport and youth, suggested to his mother that Salonee should consider professionally accepting cricket.
After this council, she joined the Academy of Indore Run with the former cricket Ranji Trophy Sunil Lahore – and it wasn’t a look back. She made her debut for Madhya Pradesh in the 2017-18 season and impressed her versatile skills.
While playing for Members, Salonee had the opportunity to work under the former Indian snuff of Narendra Hirwani during the training camp – an experience that helped focus her skills. In 2024 she switched to CHHhattisgarh, a step that has proved to be fruitful. In six matches she wrapped 15 goals and scored 144 runs on average 24, including the highest score of 56 in a one -day trophy Senior Women.
Her big break came when Delhi Capitals (DC) chose her as one of their net pitching – the role she has held in the last two seasons of WPL. In the upcoming WCPL, Salonee will show the knight’s riders and share the dressing room with Shikha Pandey and Jess Jonassen – both of them were her teammates in DC.
India recently caught up with Salonee, which opened up about its upcoming WCPL stint, its inspirations and experiences with the capital cities.
Here are several excerpts from the interview Salonee Dangore
From shaking hands with Shah Rukhem Khan to playing for our franchise can we say that fairy tales exist in real life?
Oh yes, absolutely! I would say it’s true because my whole family and I are huge fans Shah Rukh Khan. I remember my first visit was with my father, and that was during the opening ceremony when we had training. He tried his performance. I asked my friend Tanio – who had worked with him before – to try to introduce it to me.
Later, after training, he came to himself to meet everyone. The moment was magical. And now to really get the opportunity to play for our franchise – it really looks like fairy tales can happen in real life.
Did you have any hint or came out of the blues call WCPL?
Not at all – I just continued my training and any practice and conditional work I had. Then I suddenly received e -mail and informed me about my choice. So I found out.
How did you choose cricket as a profession and any other sport you were interested in?
Actually, I started at athletics. I competed in 100 m, 200 m, long jump and triple jump and in these events I even played at KVS Nationals. One day there was a local cricket club – Sunil Lahore. My mother, who was a basketball player herself, was recommended by her coach to consider to sign me in cricket. And so my journey started in cricket.
How much influence did Narendra Hirwani have in your career?
Huge role. Not just became technically healthy – he also strengthened me mentally. He worked a lot on my thinking. He showed a lot of faith in me, which gave me confidence. I thought of myself – if someone like him sees in me a potential winner, why shouldn’t I believe in myself too? That helped me immensely in my development. Salonee Dangore worked under Narendra Hirwani in Madhya Pradesh. With a kind permission: Salonee Dangore Instagram
Which crickets were your inspiration?
At the beginning I watched a lot of Shane Warne videos. Previously, I saw how they bowed to slow movement. More recently, Rashid Khan was incredibly inspiring – his pace, aggression and spin style are so impressive. And as a versatile player I really look at Amelia Kerrová. It mixes efficient spin legs and googlery and also contributes significantly with the bat – its overall impact is very inspiring.
What was the experience of being part of the Capital settings in Delhi?
My DC experience was amazing. I got the exhibition I was waiting for and I have to spend time around the absolute legends of the game. I’m just in this environment – to see how they are planned, how they are worn – it all helped me to grow. I also understood what it means to equalize as a cricket. Salonee Dangore has been with the capitals of Delhi in the last 2 seasons. With a kind permission: Salonee Dangore Instagram
Tell us about your interaction with Meg Lanning. Any special advice you received from her?
I had quite a few interactions with Meg Lanning. Everyone knows what a legend is, but it is also so grounded. After our training sessions, when I bowed to her, I asked her for feedback, and she was always kind enough to share what could be improved.
Once we had a whole session where she discussed how to mix on specific types of dough – for example, how to miss a missat on the left hand, where the ball, and so on. She told me, “You’re doing well, work hard.” That really meant a lot.
Do you believe that a decent Stint WCPL can, maybe it will promote you that you are a pure pitch on a team member in a DC?
Definitely. A lot could change for me through WCPL – not only with DC, but maybe other franchises. If I work well, people will notice it and I could get more opportunities. I just hope everything goes well.
Any interviews you had with Jess Jonassen and Shikha Pandey to prepare for CPL?
Yes, I’m talking to them regularly. We are talking about practice, what needs to be done, how to go about things – it was really useful.
What is Salonee Dangore’s successful mantra?
My mantra is supposed to believe in myself and show trust. I really stick to the advice that someone once gave me – “You become what you believe.” I think this is my success mantra.
What to do besides the cricket Salonee Dangore?
I love to go on trips with my friends – especially places surrounded by nature. Wherever there is a lake or sea – I enjoy spending time in such quiet places with close friends.
– ends
Published:
Sabyasachi Chowdhury
Published on:
July 11, 2025
