India’s experienced fast bowler Shikha Pandey called her return to the team a ‘pleasant surprise’
India’s veteran fast bowler Shikha Pandey, who was abruptly dropped from the national team a year ago, has been “pleasantly surprised” to make a comeback ahead of next month’s T20 World Cup. This 33-year-old player played his last match for India in October 2021 on Australia tour. She was a key member of the team ahead of the ODI World Cup played in New Zealand last year.
In such a situation, the Indian Air Force officer was shocked by his sudden exclusion from the team but it did not affect his performance in domestic cricket. The selectors preferred experience for the T20 World Cup, which led to Shikha’s return to the team. Shikha told ‘PTI-Bhasha’, “I think of only one day at a time.” Making short term goals helped me a lot. There is always pressure to perform and I hope I am better prepared this time.
He said, “I did well in the domestic circuit this season. I got very positive feedback from my coaches at regionals and challengers. Yes, I was pleasantly surprised (on his return to the team).” Shikha represented Goa in domestic cricket this season, taking 20 wickets in 16 matches at an average of 13.45. Shikha is at the NCA (National Cricket Academy) in Bengaluru with the Indian team players and will leave for South Africa on January 11.
Before the World Cup, a tri-series will be held between India, West Indies and hosts South Africa from January 19. Shikha said that along with the family, her Goa teammates also helped her in difficult situations. “I enjoy playing for my state team. Even when I was playing international matches, whenever I got a chance, I used to play with my Goa teammates. He said, “I have some close friends in the team. Goa has some great players in the team and I hope they do well in the future.
