India-born orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist Dr Sonali Pande, based in Darwin, played a crucial role as the team doctor for the Australian Men’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing (HoH) cricket team during their recently concluded tour of India.
The squad competed in a high-intensity T20 tri-series against India and South Africa, followed by a three-match ODI series against India at Karnail Singh Stadium in New Delhi from March 10 to 12.
Dr Pande, who comes from a distinguished family of orthopaedic surgeons, has carved her own path in sports and exercise medicine. She holds three master’s degrees, including a Master of Sports Medicine from the University of Queensland, and is pursuing a Fellowship from the Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians.
Her role with the Australian deaf cricket team presented unique challenges, as players must remove their cochlear implants or hearing aids during matches, increasing the risk of collisions and injuries. Unlike traditional cricket, where verbal calls help fielders avoid clashes, deaf players rely solely on visual cues.
Dr Pande’s expertise in injury management and rehabilitation was crucial in ensuring player safety and recovery throughout the tournament. A sign language interpreter accompanied the team to facilitate communication between players and support staff.
Despite their efforts, Australia faced a dominant Indian squad, which secured a 3-0 series win in the ODI tournament following their triumph in the T20 tri-series.
The competition showcased the exceptional skills and resilience of both teams, drawing praise from the Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA) and cricketing officials.
Reflecting on the series, IDCA CEO Roma Balwani commended the players’ determination and talent, highlighting the growing platform for deaf cricketers worldwide.
Australia’s Thomas Robertson was named Man of the Series, while India’s Umar Ashraf and Vivek Kumar took home Best Batsman and Best Bowler honours, respectively.
Australian Deaf Men’s cricket team were also treated to colours, flowers, gujiya & dahi vadas as they enjoyed Holi celebrations with the Suniye Support School for Hearing Impaired Children team.
Dr Pande expressed admiration for the athletes, noting how their passion and perseverance continue to inspire her. Her appointment as team doctor has earned widespread recognition, particularly in India, where she stands out as an Indian-born woman in a key role within Australian cricket.
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