India’s squad for the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup has sparked conversations, especially around the selection of certain players whose recent performances and fitness levels have been less than ideal. Among these selections, three players stand out as particularly fortunate to have made the cut: Shreyanka Patil, Dayalan Hemalatha, and Radha Yadav. Let’s delve into why these players are seen as lucky to be part of the squad and what their inclusion means for India’s World Cup campaign.
Shreyanka Patil (Image Source: X(Twitter))
Shreyanka Patil’s spot in the squad is a bit like a mystery spinner—full of potential but with a twist. On one hand, her skills are as clear as a well-struck cover drive. She lit up the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and made her mark on the international stage, even bagging two wickets for just 14 runs in 3.2 overs against Pakistan in the Asia Cup opener.
Shreyanka’s spot in the squad comes with a bandaged finger and a dash of suspense till nursing a finger fracture from the Asia Cup 2024. While her all-round capabilities have earned her a spot in the squad, the fact that she is not fully fit makes her selection a risky move. The World Cup is a high-stakes tournament, and including a player who has yet to fully recover could backfire, especially in crucial matches where every player needs to be at their best.
Dayalan Hemalatha (Image Source: X(Twitter))
Dayalan Hemalatha’s inclusion in the squad raises eyebrows, especially considering her recent form. Over 23 T20 Internationals (WT20Is), she has accumulated only 276 runs, averaging 16.23. Her performance in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) has also been modest, with 266 runs in 16 matches at an average of 26.60. Despite her role in the top order, her recent T20I outings have been inconsistent, with the highest score of just 47 in her last four matches.
Hemalatha’s selection becomes even more curious when considering the fierce competition at the top of the order. With established players like Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, and Jemimah Rodrigues in the mix, her place in the squad seems more fortunate than deserved based on recent performances.
Radha Yadav (Image Source: X(Twitter))
Radha Yadav, known for her spin-bowling skills, finds herself in the squad despite her recent struggles, particularly after the 2024 WPL season. While Radha has been a vital part of India’s bowling lineup in the past, her recent performances have been underwhelming. With Deepti Sharma firing on all cylinders and pulling double duty with bat and ball, Radha’s role in the lineup feels more like a backup plan than a game-changer.
The inclusion of Asha Sobhana, a rising star set to make her T20 World Cup debut, further complicates Radha’s position. Sobhana’s leg-spin and recent performances make her a strong contender for a place in the playing XI, potentially at Radha’s expense. Moreover, Sneh Rana, who offers a balanced combination of batting and bowling, could have been a more strategic choice for the squad.
The inclusion of Shreyanka Patil, Dayalan Hemalatha, and Radha Yadav in India’s Women’s T20 World Cup squad seems to be a mix of luck and strategic risk. In a tournament as demanding as the T20 World Cup, every player needs to be in peak condition, both physically and mentally.
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