Former all-rounder Reema Malhotra backed the selection of Pratika Rawal ahead of Shafali Verma in India’s women’s ODI World Cup squad, saying consistency needed to be valued more than X-factor.
Rawal rewarded for consistency
Since making her debut against the West Indies in December last year, Rawal has piled up 703 runs from 14 ODIs at an impressive average of 54 and a strike-rate of 87.43.
In contrast, Shafali Verma’s recent form has dipped. She managed scores of 52, 4, and 36 in three ODIs, and 41, 3, and 3 in T20s against Australia A while representing 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.
India fielding strongest-ever World Cup squad
Malhotra, who has played 41 ODIs and 22 T20Is for India, praised Rawal for capitalising on her chances.
“Pratika has earned her spot. She has the technique and mindset required to succeed in ODIs,” she said.
She added that the upcoming World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2, would feature India as one of the strongest contenders.
“If you look at any past Women’s World Cup, this is India’s strongest team. It has seasoned players like Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma, alongside powerful youngsters like Amanjot Kaur, Kranti Gaur, Shree Charani, and Richa Ghosh,” Malhotra said on the sidelines of the Delhi Premier League.
Balanced team with pace and spin options
Despite finishing runners-up in 2005 and 2017, India has never lifted a Women’s ODI World Cup. But Malhotra believes the current squad has the balance to change history.
“India was always strong in batting but now they have pace options in Renuka Singh Thakur, Amanjot, and Arundhati Reddy. In spin, there’s Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, and Sneh Rana,” she noted.
According to her, Sneh Rana’s growth in white-ball cricket will be vital in home conditions.
“Sneh has matured a lot in ODIs. This spin trio will be very effective in Indian conditions,” she said, while admitting that pacer Pooja Vastrakar’s injury is a setback.
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