In the realm of women’s T20 cricket, Renuka Singh and Pooja Vastrakar are making waves with their exceptional performances. Renuka, boasting 38 wickets at an average of 21.13 since her debut in October 2021, is second only to Ireland’s Arlene Kelly among fast bowlers from Full-Member teams. Meanwhile, Pooja has claimed 21 wickets during the same period, showcasing her prowess with the ball.
The duo recently demonstrated their skills as India’s fast bowlers in the one-off Test against England, collectively securing six crucial wickets. Bowling coach Troy Cooley commended their relentless work ethic and the expansion of their skillsets.
“Renuka Singh is definitely improving every time I see her,” Troy Cooley stated after a training session at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday. “She has worked extremely hard to develop her fitness and skills, and now we’re seeing the rewards of all that hard work. Not only does she swing the ball back in naturally, but she has also developed the ball that straightens and leaves the right-handers.”
Renuka’s journey includes overcoming injuries, notably a stress injury sidelining her since the end of WPL 2023. However, her return in the T20Is against England showcased her prowess with the new ball, dismissing England’s opener Sophia Dunkley three times. Troy Cooley praised Renuka Singh strategic use of angles and the impressive sequence of deliveries she has added to her arsenal.
Regarding Pooja Vastrakar, Troy Cooley highlighted her dedication to rehabilitating a sore knee and improving her run-up. Vastrakar’s balanced approach at the crease, along with her effective use of the wobble seam and hard lengths, played a pivotal role in dismantling England’s top order in the Test match.
Troy Cooley emphasized that the bowlers not only expanded their skill set but also developed better control and decision-making, contributing significantly to India’s bowling prowess. He acknowledged the strategic discussions behind choosing specific deliveries, indicating the players’ growth in understanding the nuances of the game.
The bowling coach praised the support of captain Harmanpreet Kaur and the new head coach Amol Muzumdar, highlighting the team’s commitment to continuous improvement. Cooley expressed optimism about the upcoming home series against Australia, emphasizing the players’ exceptional work ethic and resilience.
“These girls have been doing extra work in the last two-three months. Their work ethic is through the roof,” Troy Cooley said, hinting at the preparation for the upcoming series against Australia.
In unfortunate news, Shubha Satheesh’s broken finger has led to the call-up of Priya Punia as a replacement. Despite the setback, Troy Cooley expressed confidence in the squad’s balance and strength, emphasizing the team’s commitment to excellence under the guidance of the coaching staff.
As Renuka Singh and Pooja Vastrakar continue to shine, their dedication and hard work are undeniably propelling Indian women’s cricket to greater heights.
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