Gearing up for greater challenges

The 2009 World Cup seems to be playing big on the minds of the selectors; the team chosen for the Asia Cup next month is an obvious indication. Priya Ganoo and Samyukta Somvanshi explore the rationale behind this move.

The team will be looking to win their fourth Asia Cup.

Neetu David, an ace leg-spinner who retired from international cricket in 2006 has decided to make a comeback through this tournament. She is one of the few senior players to be retained in the 15-member unit. This move indicates that left-arm spinner Priti Dimri was not considered. However, young leg-spinner Thirush Kamini has been included in the squad. Asha Rawat returns to the team after her last appearance in England in 2006.

The team looks a different outfit altogether with the inception of many newcomers. The young blood in the team -Under-21 players Priyanka Roy, Snehal Pradhan, Gouher Sultana and Anagha Deshpande,- will be raring to go so as to make a mark at the international stage.. Also, the squad seems to have an appropriate balance of experience with players Jhulan Goswami, Jaya Sharma, Karuna Jain like and the newcomers.

A thrilling prospect

We spoke to one of the debutants Snehal Pradhan ahead of the Asia Cup and she seemed excited
about the prospect of representing her country.

“I am hoping to make my debut and play for India. It will be a great opportunity to play alongside players whom we have grown up watching,” she said.

Snehal will be bowling alongside her idol Jhulan Goswami and will be keen on learning some tricks of the trade from her.

Veteran Neetu David makes a comeback to International cricket.

The road ahead

The Asia Cup will be a platform for the selectors/selection committee to decide and experiment with the available options for crucial tournaments and provide the young players the much required match practice. The young squad will be eager to taste some success and gain confidence ahead of the utmost important World Cup next year. The tournament will be a fabulous opportunity for the girls to go out in the field and prove their mettle.

Convenor of the BCCI women’s committee, Shubangi Kulkarni said that the inclusion of youngsters in the current squad is an indication of their preparation for the World Cup in Australia and Twenty20 World Cup in England next year. She further explained that tournaments like Asia Cup will groom the youngsters by providing them adequate international exposure.

India have won all the three editions of the Asia Cup and look forward to repeat their feats for defending the title.

India squad:
Mithali Raj (capt), Jhulan Goswami, Jaya Sharma, Karuna Jain (wk), Amita Sharma, Devika Palshikar,
Rumeli Dar, Thirush Kamini, Neetu David, Seema Pujare, Snehal Pradhan, Gouher Sultana, Anagha
Deshpande, Asha Rawat, Priyanka Roy.