Ellyse Perry opens up on international debut, first India tour, and more

Ellyse Perry, one of Australia’s greatest cricketers has left an indelible mark on the sport. With an unprecedented eight world championships, eleven WNCL championships, two WBBL titles and one WPL title with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Perry’s trophy cabinet is a testament to her incredible talent and dedication.

A recipient of the prestigious Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award and the Belinda Clark Award, Perry has also made history by representing Australia in both ICC Cricket World Cup and FIFA Women’s World Cup. Recently, she engaged in a candid conversation with Mayanti Langer on RCB’s Bold and Beyond Podcast reflecting on her cricketing journey, triumphs, setbacks, growth of women’s cricket, her affection for RCB fans and more.

As Mayanti took her back to her T20I debut in 2008, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground against England, Perry smiled and said, “Yeah, feels like a long time ago, um, but some really fun memories of a special time.” Reflecting on her journey since then, she spoke about the importance of continuous learning, which has been the biggest driving force behind her longevity in the sport. With women’s cricket growing and improving each year, she feels fortunate to have been part of its evolution.

Talking about her temperament in high-pressure situations, Perry expressed her unwavering commitment to giving it her all. For her, simply being in those crucial moments matters more than the outcome.

When asked about handling failures, she offered a grounded perspective, emphasizing that while competition is important, sport should be seen in the right context. She believes that setbacks are never truly failures but part of the game, adding, “Obviously, you are doing everything you can to be successful, but like if you’re not, there’s going to be another game.”

When Mayanti asked whether the landscape of women’s cricket in India has evolved and if young Indian girls now receive the same level of support she had early in her career, Perry was quick to acknowledge the remarkable progress.

“It has been amazing even just over the three years of WPL to see just how much domestic talent is coming through,” she said, highlighting the rapid rise of young Indian players. She spoke about the privilege of meeting and playing alongside these emerging cricketers, whether at RCB or other franchises. Perry also praised the coaches and support staff, emphasizing their crucial role in nurturing new talent.

The conversation turned to Australia’s rich legacy in women’s cricket, and she was asked that when she realized the records she would eventually chase, Perry admitted it took her longer than she wished.

She recalled that, as a child, she primarily watched the men’s team, attending the Sydney Test every New Year and following male cricketers on television. It wasn’t until her early teens that she became aware of the Australian women’s team and their achievements. Reflecting on one of her first memories of women’s cricket, she shared, “One of my earliest memories was when they played India in a World Cup final in 2005 maybe.”

During the interaction, Perry spoke about the cricketers she admired growing up, recalling Steve Waugh, Glenn McGrath, and Andy Bichel as some of the players she followed closely. However, it was Michael Hussey who became her absolute favorite.

Ellyse Perry reflected on a surreal full-circle moment, watching the first-ever IPL match at Chinnaswamy Stadium in 2008 and now hearing the same stadium chant her name.

Staying at Chinnaswamy, she was part of an Under-18 team that played against various sides, including a practice match against the Indian women’s team. She described the incredible experience of seeing Mithali Raj batting and Jhulan Goswami charging into the bowl. She also vividly remembered attending the historic opening IPL match, where Brendon McCullum’s explosive 158 for KKR set the stage for the tournament’s legacy.

Now, years later, playing at a packed Chinnaswamy for RCB feels just as special. She marveled at the electrifying atmosphere, where the crowd’s deafening roars make on-field communication nearly impossible. For Perry and her RCB teammates, the unwavering support of the fans makes every game unforgettable, a feeling they cherish deeply. “It makes every game really special, and I just want to hold on to them and never forget them,” she said.

Lastly, when asked where she sees herself in the next ten years, Perry expressed her desire to continue pursuing things that inspire and challenge her. She hopes to stay in an environment that keeps her motivated and engaged, whether in cricket or beyond. For now, though, her focus remains on the game she loves, adding, “Hopefully, for the next little bit anyway, I’m still playing cricket.”

Despite RCB’s exit from the WPL 2025 season, Ellyse Perry has once again showcased her brilliance with the bat. The defending Orange Cap winner currently leads the run charts with 323 runs in 7 matches, reaffirming her status as one of the tournament’s standout performers.

As RCB prepares for their final match against Mumbai Indians on March 11, they will look to finish the season on a high, with Perry continuing to lead from the front.

Loves all things female cricket

Related Articles