Happy Birthday Lisa Sthalekar: Top 10 Unknown Facts About Indian-Origin Australian Cricketer - In Pics

Lisa Sthalekar was born in Pune, India, and adopted by an Australian couple, Haren and Sue Sthalekar, from an orphanage in Pune. She was originally named Laila before her adoption.

Sthalekar made history as the first woman cricketer to score 1,000 runs and take 100 wickets in One Day Internationals (ODIs), solidifying her place as a legendary all-rounder.

Apart from her cricketing skills, Lisa is fluent in seven languages, a testament to her diverse background and cultural adaptability.

Lisa’s father introduced her to cricket in their backyard. She started playing against boys, unaware that women even played cricket until she attended a women’s Test match.

Sthalekar made her debut for New South Wales as a specialist bowler, and over time, evolved into a formidable all-rounder, becoming a key player for Australia.

Lisa led New South Wales to five consecutive Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) titles, during which she maintained impressive averages with both bat and ball.

Beyond the field, Sthalekar is an advocate for mental health, often speaking about the pressures of professional sports and the importance of psychological well-being.

Post-retirement, Lisa transitioned seamlessly into a successful career as a cricket commentator and analyst, bringing her sharp insights to global audiences.

In 2020, Lisa Sthalekar was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame, recognizing her outstanding contributions to women’s cricket.

In 2012, Lisa visited Shreevatsa, the orphanage in Pune where she was adopted, reconnecting with her roots and supporting the institution that played a vital role in her life’s journey.