With the Women’s Challengers Trophy 2018 just round the corner, we bring you detailed information about the teams that will give you an insight regarding the major strengths and weaknesses of each team. Today we shall know all about India Blue.
First of all, let’s know names included in the 13-member squad –
Mithali Raj (Captain), Vanitha VR, D. Hemalatha, Neha Tanwar, Anuja Patil, Saima Thakor, Taniya Bhatia (wicket-keeper), Radha Yadav, Preeti Bose, Poonam Yadav, Keerthy James, Mansi Joshi and Suman Gulia.
Along with having immense experience in the form of players like Mithali Raj, Anuja Patil, Taniya Bhatia and Mansi Joshi; the team has three (3) newcomers :-
1. Saima Thakor – Born on 13th September 1996, the 21-year old youngster comes from Maharashtra and plays for Mumbai Women in the domestic cricket. This right-arm medium pacer is going to get a major exposure of first class cricket under the mentorship of senior player and pacer Mansi Joshi.
2. Keerthy James – The right-arm off-break bowler is another youngster forming part of India Blue. The 1997 born player represents Kerala Women and was a part of the Kerala Women team who won national U-23 T-20 title in April this year. Her selection in the Challengers Series immediately after such achievement will surely uplift her confidence and provides a huge scope for improvement in her game.
3. Suman Gulia – The 19-year old right arm medium fast bowler is from Rohtak, Haryana. She would be eager to cash upon the golden opportunity and make her presence felt during the seven-day tournament.
Even though, the selection of this young trio itself speaks of their talent and potential but it would be most important to see that how many chances they get to prove themselves and would they be able to leave a remarkable impression on the got opportunities, (if any).
As far as other players are concerned, Vanitha, Hemalatha, Radha Yadav and Taniya Bhatia have been retained by India Blue team.
In the last Women’s Challengers trophy, Anuja Patil was the leading wicket taker of the tournament and would aim to continue exactly from where she left and youngster Radha Yadav (third highest wicket taker in last edition of WCT) would also be eying even a better show this time. Also, D. Hemalatha would definitely look forward to improving her performance in her second WC Series.
T-20 specialist and all-rounder Anuja Patil, who took India Green to finals in the last edition of Women’s Challengers Series, would team up with Mithali which would not only strengthen their batting but also benefit their strategic approach against the opponents.
Lastly, let’s take a look at the match schedule for India Blue:-
1. 14th and 17th August – versus India Red
2. 15th and 18th August – versus India Green
All you need to know about India Green Squad – Women’s T-20 Challengers Trophy 2018
‘Gully’ cricket player and close observer of Indian Cricket team and it’s matches. Straight forward and still socially admirable personality. Strong belief in teamwork and possess high leadership skills.
