In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian cricket, few stories embody perseverance, grit, and quiet brilliance as deeply as that of Ekta Bisht. Known for her mastery as a slow left-arm orthodox bowler, Bisht carved her name into cricketing history as India’s first international woman cricketer from Uttarakhand, and the first Indian to claim a hat-trick in a Women’s Twenty20 International (T20I). Her journey from the hill town of Almora to global stadiums stands as an inspiring tale of determination that transcends boundaries and barriers.

Early Life and Humble Beginnings

Born on 8 February 1986 in Almora, then a part of Uttar Pradesh (now Uttarakhand), Ekta Bisht grew up in a modest household that believed in the power of hard work. Her father, Kundan Singh Bisht, a retired Havaldar from the Indian Army, ran a small tea stall in Almora to support his daughter’s dream of playing cricket — a sport that, at the time, offered little recognition or resources for women. Her mother, Tara Bisht, stood by the family through the hardships, ensuring that her daughter never lost sight of her aspirations.

At just six years old, Bisht began playing cricket with boys in her neighborhood. Her talent was evident even then, often drawing crowds who were curious to watch the only girl confidently outplay boys on the field. Financial struggles were constant, but her father’s determination to fund her budding career — despite surviving on a meager pension of ₹1,500 — became a symbol of parental belief.

Bisht captained Kumaon University in North Zone tournaments and trained under Liyakat Ali, a respected coach who mentored her during her early years with the Uttaranchal Women’s Cricket Association. The family’s financial worries eased in 2011 when Bisht broke into the national side, paving the way for sponsorships and recognition that changed their lives.

Rise to Prominence and Career Milestones

Ekta Bisht began her professional domestic career with Uttar Pradesh (2006–07 to 2012–13) before joining the powerhouse Railways women’s team, where she sharpened her skills among some of the country’s finest cricketers.

Her international debut came in 2011 when she represented India against Australia in both ODI and T20 formats. Since then, her disciplined bowling, control, and temperament made her a dependable weapon in India’s spin arsenal.

Bisht’s defining moment arrived on 3 October 2012 during the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, when she etched her name in record books by taking a hat-trick — the first by any Indian woman in T20Is. The performance helped India restrict Sri Lanka to a modest total, underlining her match-winning potential.

Her consistency shone in the 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup, where she picked up five wickets for 18 runs against Pakistan, leading India to a dominant 95-run victory. That same year, she achieved a rare double recognition — being the only woman named in both the ICC Women’s ODI Team of the Year and ICC Women’s T20I Team of the Year (2017).

From her early days in Almora to donning the blue jersey, Bisht has always shown resilience in the face of adversity. Her record of 98 ODI wickets and 53 T20I wickets with enviable bowling averages speaks volumes of her impact. In the 2017 season alone, she finished as the joint second-highest wicket-taker in ODIs, claiming 29 wickets in 16 matches at an average of 17.27.

Latest Updates and Recent Developments

After over a decade of international excellence (2011–2022), Ekta Bisht continues to inspire a new generation of cricketers. In May 2021, she was selected for India’s Test squad for the one-off match against England, and in January 2022, she featured as a reserve player in India’s team for the Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand.

In a significant career update, Bisht made headlines in December 2023, when she was signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) during the Women’s Premier League auction for the 2024 season. Her inclusion in one of the league’s most high-profile teams reflects the continued value she brings through experience, consistency, and mentorship for younger bowlers.

Currently representing Uttarakhand in domestic cricket, Bisht’s transition to RCB is seen as a strategic move that blends leadership and skill in equal measure.

Awards, Recognition, and Legacy

Over the years, Ekta Bisht’s contributions have earned her widespread recognition. In 2017, the Government of Uttarakhand conferred the Khel Ratna Award upon her, acknowledging her remarkable service to Indian sports. Her mentor Liyakat Ali Khan was also honored with the Dronacharya Award, marking a proud moment for the state’s cricketing community.

Beyond statistics, Bisht’s journey stands as an emblem of empowerment. From being the only girl in a local cricket team to becoming one of India’s top five wicket-takers in ODIs and third-highest in T20Is, her achievements have opened pathways for female cricketers from smaller towns to dream bigger.

Even legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has praised her for her fielding and discipline — an acknowledgment that underscores her standing in Indian cricket.

Impact and Outlook

Ekta Bisht’s rise from Almora’s dusty grounds to the grand stages of world cricket is more than just a sports story — it’s a testament to perseverance, parental sacrifice, and unrelenting passion. Her success has not only strengthened the representation of women from Uttarakhand in sports but has also amplified the visibility of women’s cricket across India.

As she continues her journey in domestic and franchise leagues, Bisht remains a role model for aspiring athletes who dare to chase dreams against odds. With the Women’s Premier League offering a platform for renewed exposure and competition, Ekta Bisht’s career appears poised for yet another impactful chapter.

Most Searched FAQs about Ekta Bisht

Q1: Who is Ekta Bisht?
Ekta Bisht is an Indian cricketer known for her slow left-arm orthodox bowling. She was the first international woman cricketer from Uttarakhand and the first Indian woman to take a hat-trick in a T20I match.

Q2: What is Ekta Bisht’s age?
As of 2025, Ekta Bisht is 39 years old. She was born on 8 February 1986 in Almora, Uttarakhand.

Q3: Which teams has Ekta Bisht played for?
She has represented India (2011–2022), Uttar Pradesh, Railways, Uttarakhand, Velocity, Trailblazers, and currently Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Women’s Premier League.

Q4: What are Ekta Bisht’s major achievements?
Her major milestones include a T20I hat-trick in 2012, five wickets against Pakistan in the 2017 World Cup, and being part of ICC’s Women’s ODI and T20I Teams of the Year (2017).

Q5: What awards has Ekta Bisht received?
She received the Uttarakhand Khel Ratna Award (2017) and continues to be recognized for her contribution to Indian women’s cricket.