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Reema Malhotra backs Pratika Rawal over Shafali Verma for India’s ODI World Cup squad, praising consistency.
Indian star batters Pratika Rawal and Shafali Verma ()X and PTI
Former all-rounder Reema Malhotra endorsed the inclusion of Pratika Rawal over Shafali Verma in India’s women’s ODI World Cup squad, stressing the importance of consistency over the X-factor.
Since her debut against the West Indies in December last year, Rawal has scored 703 runs in 14 ODIs, averaging 54 with a strike rate of 87.43.
In contrast, Verma’s recent performances have been underwhelming, scoring 52, 4, and 36 in three ODIs, and 41, 3, and 3 in the preceding T20s against Australia A for India A.
“Shafali is a big name. She’s an X-factor you want in your team. But when you compare an X-factor with consistent performance, I think the captain and selectors rightly preferred the consistent player,” Malhotra told PTI-Bhasha.
“Prathika has earned her spot by capitalising on her opportunities. She has shown she has the technique and mindset required to represent India in ODIs,” said Malhotra who has played 41 ODIs and 22 T20Is for India.
The World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, is set to be held from September 30 to November 2.
Can India Win The ICC Women’s World Cup?
Malhotra believes India will be strong contenders for the title, highlighting the right mix of youth and experience in the Harmanpreet Kaur-led squad.
“If you look at any past Women’s World Cup, this is India’s strongest team. It has seasoned players like Harmanpreet, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma, alongside powerful youngsters like Amanjot Kaur, Kranti Gaur, Shree Charani, and Richa Ghosh,” she said on the sidelines of the Delhi Premier League.
“The team has a great mix of youth and experience. I don’t think you’ll find a better team for the World Cup. This team has the confidence to win the World Cup,” she added.
Despite reaching the final twice, India is yet to win a World Cup. In the 2017 final, India lost to England by nine runs, and in 2005, they were defeated by Australia by 98 runs.
However, Malhotra is hopeful for a different outcome this time, thanks to an improved bowling attack and a diverse batting line-up.
“Indian team was always strong in batting but now they have pace options in Renuka Singh Thakur, Amanjot, and Arundhati Reddy, while in spin, there’s Deepti, Radha Yadav, and Sneh Rana.
“Sneh has matured a lot in white-ball cricket and knows how to bowl in ODIs. This spin trio will be very effective in Indian conditions,” Malhotra opined while admitting that injury to pacer Pooja Vastrakar is a setback to the team,” she said.
(With inputs from PTI)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha… Read More
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