Mangaluru-born Karen Natasia D’Cunha proudly leads the Czech Republic women’s national cricket team, celebrating a triumphant 3-0 victory against the Croatian team in a recent tournament. Playing cricket in Europe is a source of immense pride for her, considering her origins in the coastal city.
Her cricketing prowess lies in her versatility as an all-rounder, with a particular emphasis on batting and wicket-keeping. Karen, who considers her role as the captain a solemn duty rather than a personal accolade, expresses her dedication to the Czech Republic Women’s National cricket team. Despite spending her early childhood in Dubai due to her father’s work, she strongly identifies as a Mangalurean, with her roots deeply connected to the coastal city. She relocated to Mangaluru in 2000 to pursue high school and further studies.
Karen completed her undergraduate studies at St Aloysius College and earned her MBA from SDM-IMD in Mysuru. The only child of her late father, John Francis DCunha, and mother Olean Sheela D’Cunha, Karen maintains ecclesiastical ties with the Bendore parish, St Sebastian Church.
Professionally, Karen is associated with Infosys and is currently working on-site in the Czech Republic. Reflecting on her cricketing journey, she attributes her entry into the sport to serendipity. Her childhood exposure to cricket, fueled by her father’s enthusiasm and shared enjoyment of prediction games during IPL seasons, ignited her passion for the team sport. Despite limited opportunities for women’s cricket during her college days, Karen seized the chance to play when she moved to the Czech Republic for work.
Looking ahead, Karen remains focused on the present, determined to make the most of this auspicious break in her cricketing career. Her aspirations involve growing and evolving alongside her talented teammates, emphasizing her commitment to the game.
