In the world of women’s cricket, few names command the same respect and awe as Deandra Dottin, affectionately known as the “World Boss.” In recent times, we have seen Deandra Dottin undergo a remarkable transformation on and off the field.
This evolution is marked by her return to international cricket after announcing a shock retirement, notable success in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025, and a growing role as a mentor to younger players. This journey is a testament to her resilient spirit, her evolving skillset, and her contributions to the sport that have inspired a new generation of cricketers.
Deandra Dottin’s decision to retire in August 2022 came as a shock to the cricket world. Citing a negative team environment, she stepped away from international cricket. However, the allure of the sport remained strong, and she soon found herself back on the path to redemption. On 27th July 2024, she announced her decision to return to international cricket, which came as a huge relief to the West Indian team and the whole women’s cricket fraternity.
Dottin credits her break for helping her find peace and focus on what she could control. This mental reset was crucial as she prepared to return to the big stage. “I found peace even before I came back (from retirement). That’s the only reason why I even decided to return. The break was good. It did a lot for me mentally,” she revealed. Dottin’s return to cricket coincided with the T20 World Cup, where she played a pivotal role in the inspired West Indian campaign.
Dottin played an impactful role as the Hayley Matthews-led side made it to the semi-final of the 9th edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. She scored 120 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 162.16 and an impressive average of 40 in five innings with the bat for her side in the tournament.
Besides her exploits with the bat, she also picked up five wickets at an average of 7.60 and an economy of 5.42 in a couple of innings with the ball, which included a four-wicket haul (4-0-22-4) in her spell against New Zealand in the 2nd semi-final at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in her career, one where she sought not only to perform but to grow and inspire.
Dottin’s maiden stint in the WPL came to an abrupt and a controversial end after being bought by the Gujarat Giants franchise for INR 60 Lakhs in the inaugural edition in 2023. She returned to the Giants franchise when they secured her services yet again in the 2025 mini auctions at a whopping price of 1.7 CR.
In the WPL 2025, Dottin has made a significant impact, though not necessarily in her usual explosive manner. Known for her power-hitting, she has found more success with the ball, emerging as a strike bowler for Gujarat Giants in both the PowerPlay and death overs. This role has allowed her to contribute significantly to her team’s success, often turning games with her breakthroughs. Her returns with the ball signifies her effectiveness, in eight games, Dottin has bowled nearly 30 overs, claiming nine wickets with over 43% of her deliveries resulting in dots. Her ability to deliver under pressure and adapt to the demands of the short format has been impressive.
“The last couple of months have been a fast-processing kind of cricket thing. I’ve been in good form but just not executing at the level I want to be at,” Dottin noted, highlighting her continuous drive for improvement. One of the most intriguing aspects of Dottin’s recent development is her focus on mastering swing. She admits to working on both the outswinger and her variations, including slower balls. This evolution is a testament to her desire to remain an unpredictable force on the pitch.
“Something I’ve been working on is swinging the ball both ways. I already have my variations in terms of the slow balls. But the outswinger is an element I am working on,” she explained. Beyond her on-field contributions, Dottin is increasingly recognized for her role as a mentor. She is helping younger players like Simran Shaikh, Bharti Fulmali, and Shabnam Shakil perfect the art of power-hitting. Dottin emphasizes physical strength as the foundation for explosive batting, encouraging players to build their strength through bodyweight exercises like push-ups and pull-ups.
“I tell the girls to start with one pull-up a day. When you’ve mastered that, do two the next day. Use a band to help you till you can handle your weight on your own. If you master doing bodyweight stuff, it will hold you in good stead. Pull-ups, shoulder push-ups, these are good ways to develop strength in the areas you need to use to hit the ball long,” her advice is simple yet profound.
Dottin’s journey has been as much about personal growth as professional success. She attributes her peace and renewed love for cricket to the mental clarity and focus she achieved during her break. Cricket, once again, has become her meditative space.
In the T20I format for the West Indies, she has scored 3,004 runs at an average of 26.82, which included 14 half-centuries and a couple of centuries, and the high score of 112* to her name. Besides her exploits with the bat, she has also picked up 71 wickets at an average of 18.95 and an economy of 6.46 in 73 innings with the ball, which included a couple of four-wicket hauls and a five-wicket haul in the format.
In the ODI format, she has scored 3,785 runs at an impressive average of 30.03 in 140 innings with the bat for her side, which included 22 half-centuries and three centuries in the format, with a high score of 150*. Besides her exploits with the bat, she has also picked up 79 wickets at an average of 27.40 and an economy of 4.86 in 100 innings with the ball, that included three four-wicket hauls and a five-wicket haul to her name in the format for the West Indies.
“I never stopped training. I was always in the gym and doing my physical stuff. So, it wasn’t too much of an adjustment. More of a mental reset,” she shared. This mental reset has allowed her to approach challenges with renewed vigor and perspective, making her a more formidable opponent on the field.
As Dottin continues to inspire in the WPL, she also hopes to pave the way for more Caribbean players to join the league. She believes that the WPL is an aspirational benchmark for young players back home, encouraging them to put in the hard work required to succeed at this level. Deandra Dottin signs off WPL 2025 with 142 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 154.34 and an average of 23.66 in 8 innings. She has also picked up 9 wickets at an economy of 8.42 in eight innings with the ball for the Giants.
“The WPL is definitely an aspirational thing for the girls back home, but the thing is, you have to put in the work in order to reach this far. I always say that if you’re comfortable, you’re not doing enough,” she emphasized.
Deandra Dottin’s revitalized cricket journey is a testament to resilience, growth, and the enduring love for the game. From her return to cricket to her impactful performances in the WPL and her role as a mentor, Dottin continues to inspire and transform the sport she loves. Her story serves as a beacon for aspiring cricketers around the world, reminding us that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible.
(Quotes sourced from Sportstar)
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