Last Update: January 06, 2023, 17:44 IST
Shikha Pandey (AFP Image)
Shikha Pandey, 33, last played for India on the tour of Australia in October 2021 and was an integral part of the team in the lead up to the 2022 ODI World Cup in New Zealand.
Shikha Pandey was unexpectedly dropped from the Indian team a year ago and this fast bowler made a comeback for T20 World The Cup also appeared out of nowhere the following month, leaving him “pleasantly surprised”.
33 year old last played India Was an integral part of the team in October 2021 on the tour of Australia and in the lead up to the 2022 ODI World Cup in New Zealand.
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Hence, being dropped from the team came as a big blow, but the former Indian Air Force officer found solace in being back in domestic cricket, where she excelled and drew close to her Goan teammates.
The time spent with former Australia captain Belinda Clarke Down Under also contributed significantly to her comeback bid.
After testing some youngsters the selectors are banking on Shikha’s experience, there will be added pressure to perform but she is up for the challenge.
“I try to take one day at a time. Short term goals help me a lot. There is always pressure to perform and I hope I am better prepared this time.
“I did well in the domestic circuit this season and I am happy with the way it is going. I got very positive feedback from my coaches at Zonals and Challengers. Yes, I was pleasantly surprised,” the 33-year-old told PTI.
Shikha is at the NCA in Bengaluru with her Indian teammates and will leave for South Africa on January 11. India, West Indies and hosts South Africa will have a tri-series starting January 19 before the World Cup.
The experienced fast bowler made his way into the Indian team after an impressive home season in which he took 20 wickets in 16 matches at an average of 13.45.
Apart from the support of her family, Shikha said that her Goan teammates helped her through tough times.
“I have always loved coming back and playing for my state. Even when I was not away on international duties, I would never miss a chance to play with my state team-mates.
“I have some close friends in the team and the bond just got stronger. We have some absolute superstars in the Goa team and I can’t wait to see them make it big in the future.” Without naming them, Shikha said she was in touch with some Indian teammates while she was away from the national team.
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A blistering inswinger to clean bowl Australia opener Alyssa Healy during the 2021 tour, Shikha will be expected to land plenty of inswingers in South Africa.
Bringing the ball back to the right-handed batsman is Shikha’s biggest strength and she will look to maintain that consistency.
“I’ve worked hard to hit those lengths consistently and stay in the of-the-moment attitude (over the past 12 months).” Has his time there made him a better cricketer and a better person? Nothing goes in vain and it is not the situations you are put in that define you but the decisions you make to deal with them.
“My family, well-wishers, coaches, support staff and administration at GCA and my state teammates. All his help was massive (when I was not part of the team),” Shikha said.
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)