Anaya Bangar, daughter of former Indian cricketer and national batting coach Sanjay Bangar, has carved out her own individual path in the sport through an intense personal and athletic journey. After undergoing gender reassignment surgery and working through the rigorous medical criteria required to compete in women's cricket, she has taken on the challenge entirely on her own. In recent remarks, she opened up about her current fitness regime, long-term ambitions, handling social media reactions, and her bonds with fellow cricketers.
Cricket Australia Grants Clearance While BCCI Stays Silent
Anaya Bangar is setting her sights on competing in Cricket Australia's Women's Big Bash League (WBBL). She explained that she had reached out to multiple governing bodies, submitting comprehensive medical files, hormone replacement therapy records, and scientific documentation validating her physical transition. While communications sent to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) received no response, Cricket Australia evaluated her medical evidence and confirmed her eligibility for women's cricket.
According to Anaya, she has another mandatory blood test scheduled for March 2027. Following the outcome of that medical evaluation, her entry into a specific WBBL franchise will depend on her finalized eligibility status and on-field performances during selection.
Aiming for Strict Coaching Under Yograj Singh
Returning to professional cricket after physical transition requires immense physical conditioning, and Anaya is actively working to rebuild her core strength and endurance. Acknowledging that an elite sporting comeback demands uncompromising discipline, she expressed a desire to train under Yograj Singh, father of Yuvraj Singh, who runs his own coaching academy known for rigorous training methods.
Alongside plans with Yograj Singh, Anaya is keen to train alongside her childhood friend Sarfaraz Khan and his father Naushad Khan. She also spoke warmly about her connection with Sarfaraz and his younger brother Musheer Khan, reflecting on their shared cricketing roots.
Disappointment Over Sarfaraz Khan's Limited National Opportunities
The bond between Anaya Bangar and Sarfaraz Khan stretches back to their early developmental years in Mumbai. With both of their fathers having represented Railways in domestic cricket, the two families shared close ties, leading the young cricketers to train and play together from an early age. Touching upon Sarfaraz's career trajectory, Anaya admitted that she feels genuinely hurt and disappointed whenever her friend does not receive consistent playing opportunities in the Indian national side.
Praise for 15-Year-Old Sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Anaya also highlighted the remarkable prowess of 15-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi. She noted that his ability to face elite pace bowling at such a young age is exceptional, pointing specifically to how he takes on deliveries clocked at 150 km/h from Jofra Archer with immense power and technical composure.
Batting Inspirations: Abhishek Sharma and Smriti Mandhana
Reflecting on her own approach at the crease, Anaya mentioned that she draws significant stylistic inspiration from Abhishek Sharma and Smriti Mandhana. She sees elements of both players in her personal batting technique. Clarifying her aspirations, Anaya emphasized that she does not seek to displace established stars like Mandhana, but rather hopes to one day share the pitch and represent the Indian national team alongside her.
