Sophie Devine's Diabetes Battle: WPL Hero Opens Up on 20-Year Health Journey

Tasked with defending nine runs in the final over, Devine held her nerve under pressure, finishing with figures of four overs, 37 runs and four wickets to seal a crucial victory and keep Gujarat Giants firmly in contention for a playoff spot. During the final over, when the Capitals needed nine runs in six balls with well-settled Niki Prasad and Sneh Rana, she took both of their wickets, getting Niki on the last ball when the Capitals needed just four runs to win.

Sophie, 36, is enjoying her best run in the tournament as a bowler, topping the charts with 15 scalps in seven matches at an average of 14.26, with this four-fer to her name. While the final-over heroics and match-winning impact grabbed the spotlight, there is another, less side to Devine's journey that runs quietly alongside her performances at the elite level.

For over two decades, the New Zealand all-rounder has lived with diabetes, a condition that has shaped her preparation, routines and approach to the game, even as she continues to perform at the highest level.

Speaking about managing diabetes alongside the demands of elite sport, Devine said as per a Gujarat Giants press release, "Diabetes has been a big part of my life for over 20 years now, so it is pretty second nature to me. Sometimes I forget I even have it because it is so embedded in my routine. There is a lot of testing involved, and I use a sensor to keep track of my blood glucose levels, which people will often see me swiping. The injections do not really change whether it is a game day, training day or rest day -- that part stays the same."

Explaining how match days require additional awareness and planning, she added, "The big difference on game day is making sure I am managing things well enough to be able to do my job out there. Sometimes that is straightforward, and sometimes diabetes has other ideas, so it is about being prepared and aware of what my body needs in those moments."

Devine also highlighted the importance of the environment around her in navigating those situations, saying, "Having the support of the players and support staff around me makes a huge difference. Knowing that people are aware and always there to help if I need it gives me a lot of confidence, and I'm really thankful for that."

Reflecting on sharing similar experiences with fellow players across teams, Devine said, "I have been lucky to play alongside other players who understand what it is like. Having someone who speaks the same language and gets it is really nice, because it's not something a lot of people have to deal with. It is also great to see players managing diabetes and performing at the highest level, because it shows that it's possible."

Underlining the importance of empathy and openness in sport, she added, "You never really know what someone is dealing with unless you ask. Whether it is diabetes, injuries or something else, everyone has their own challenges. Being able to talk about it and reach out for support when you need it is really important," he concluded.

DC opted to bowl first, with Beth Mooney (58 in 46 balls, with seven fours) and Anushka Sharma (39 in 25 balls, with eight fours) top-scoring as GG made 174/9 in 20 overs, with spinner Shree Charani (4/31) bowling a delightful spell. In the run-chase, DC looked doomed at 100/6 in 14.3 overs, but Niki (47 in 24 balls, with nine fours) and Sneh (29 in 15 balls, with three fours) stitching a crucial stand which took DC to the cusp of a win, only to be denied by Devine.

GG is at the second place in the table now, once again back in the contention for the playoffs, with four wins and three losses. DC has slipped to fourth place with three wins and four losses, with their final match being a must-win one.

- ANI