The Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is right around the corner. The tournament is set to begin in October, with India playing their first match against New Zealand on October 4. The Women in Blue will be hunting for their first ICC T20 World Cup trophy. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side has notable names in the 15-member squad, including Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, and Jemimah Rodrigues. However, fans will be missing pacer Shikha Pandey this time, as the 35-year-old has not been picked in the squad. Ex-cricketer and broadcaster Anjum Chopra, however, feels that Pandey shouldn’t be part of the squad.
In a recent episode of Cricket Insiders, part of the InsideSport series, former cricketer and commentator Anjum Chopra shared her thoughts on the team’s combination.
Shikha Pandey doesn’t deserve a place
When asked if someone like Shikha Pandey would have made a difference by being in the squad for the T20 World Cup, Anjum said, “No, I don’t think so. I don’t think she would have been the answer. She hasn’t been around, and I believe the last time she played was during the 2023 World Cup, where she was part of the squad.”
“I’ve always felt that she has immense potential, but unfortunately, she hasn’t lived up to it. As a bowler, yes, she’s contributed, and she’s also made contributions as a batter. Since I started watching her, I always thought she could be that key player—the seam-bowling all-rounder we’ve been looking for,” she added.
She’s responsible for her missed opportunities
Chopra highlighted the challenges Pandey faces in making a comeback to the national team. “I feel she’s let those opportunities slip by. Now, for her to make a comeback, it’s going to be tough. She’s playing around the world, which is great, and she’s been contributing for the Delhi Capitals in the WPL, which is excellent,” Anjum said.
“But the question is, does that contribution count enough for Indian selection? Maybe the door isn’t closed yet, but for her to return, she needs to contribute with more than just one skill,” she concluded.
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