Meet Shraddha Pokharkar: RCB’s Emerging Talent for WPL 2024

As the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 approaches, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have made a strategic move by naming Shraddha Pokharkar as a replacement for the injured Kanika Ahuja. At just 21 years old, Pokharkar steps into the spotlight as a promising all-rounder, hoping to make a mark in the upcoming tournament and potentially secure a spot in the Indian national team.

Shraddha Pokharkar’s selection as a like-for-like replacement for Kanika Ahuja showcases RCB’s strategic planning. Having previously represented Maharashtra’s domestic team, Pokharkar brings valuable experience to the RCB squad. Her recent performances for India D and Maharashtra, including figures of 2/8, 1/18, 1/19, and 2/21, indicate her form and potential impact in the upcoming WPL.

RCB and Indian National Team Experience

Notably, Pokharkar has previously served as RCB’s net bowler in WPL 2023. While not making it onto the field, this experience positions her well within the team, having interacted with players and acclimatized to the team environment. Additionally, her role as a net bowler for the Indian women’s national team during the T20I series against Australia in 2022 suggests that she is no stranger to the international cricketing arena.

Playing Alongside Smriti Mandhana

Having played for the Trailblazers in the Women’s T20 Challenge Trophy alongside RCB captain Smriti Mandhana, Pokharkar enjoys a pre-existing camaraderie with the vice-captain of the Indian women’s cricket team. Their previous experiences together in the Maharashtra Senior Women’s T20 League and the Trailblazers team will undoubtedly contribute to a smoother integration into the RCB squad for Pokharkar.

Dilip Vengsarkar Cricket Academy Roots

Shraddha Pokharkar’s cricket journey took an unconventional turn as she began playing with a leather ball at the age of 20. After showcasing her talent with a tennis ball during her school days, she enrolled in the selection trials at the Dilip Vengsarkar Cricket Academy in Pune in 2017. The academy played a crucial role in her development, with Mohan Jadhav becoming her first coach. Pokharkar acknowledges the academy’s contribution to her cricketing journey and is grateful to former India cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar for providing her with the platform to excel.

Memorable Performance for Maharashtra’s Senior Team

In an interview with Female Cricket, Pokharkar highlighted her favorite performance for Maharashtra’s senior team during the 2019-20 Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy. Against Baroda in Pune, she opened the bowling and claimed 3/38 in 10 overs, including two maiden overs. This standout performance early in her career demonstrates her ability to perform under pressure and make crucial contributions to her team’s success.

As Shraddha Pokharkar gears up to don the RCB jersey in WPL 2024, her journey from a late leather-ball starter to an emerging talent in Indian women’s cricket adds an intriguing narrative to the tournament. RCB fans, as well as followers of Indian women’s cricket, will be eager to witness her growth and potential impact on the team’s fortunes in the upcoming season.

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