In the recently concluded 1st ODI between India and Bangladesh, India suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Bangladesh. Despite having a pretty strong batting lineup, Indian women failed to chase a mere total of 153 in 44 overs. This was India’s first-ever defeat against Bangladesh in ODI.
Ex-Indian Cricketer Anjum Chopra criticized the selection committee saying there is no clear objective or a defined pathway before selecting a squad for a particular series/tournament. She also said that new talent gets picked in the squad in a hurry and after that, there’s no proper backing for that player to succeed, she also questioned the metrics on which the selectors are judging these young players.
She said, “We seem to be ever building our team. Since the last decade or even more maybe that has been the case. Ideally, we introduce a player into international cricket which has immense potential and promise. Then give them time to settle but is around the team (playing or probable). There seems to be no base for this process to be practiced.”
Former India cricketer and commentator Anjum Chopra not happy with India's performance. #CricketTwitter #BANvIND pic.twitter.com/ieaztrOMM6
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) July 16, 2023
The overall criticism by Anjum Chopra is going to be essential for the team going forward, as there will be questions asked each and every time the team underperforms, or if a player is left out of the squad unjustifiably. Till now, only a few ex-players spoke against a particular decision, but from now on people will hope there will be more ex-players who are not afraid to speak against or criticize a particular decision. There’s also a lack of transparency between the selectors, players, and fans to a larger extent.
Anjum also said that no fast bowler has been properly groomed or given a proper chance to showcase their skills, India has been looking for fast bowling partner for Jhulan Goswami for a long time, but they failed to do it, but now they are looking for fast bowlers to bowl from both the ends. She also gave the example of Jhulan Goswami and she didn’t become a match-winner overnight. She got the time and the backing she deserved.
Anjum Chopra also raised questions on the squad selected for the upcoming Asian Games. She said “The recent team announcement for the Asian Games later this year is perplexing. About 6 changes from the T20I squad that is sent to Bangladesh. Some without playing have been exchanged and why the others remain a question mark. They couldn’t have been injured.”
𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗧 𝗗𝗘𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗔 🆚 𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗟𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗦𝗛 𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝗗𝗜𝘀 😲
🇧🇩 Bangladesh won the 1st ODI by 4️⃣0️⃣ runs! They go 1️⃣-0️⃣ up in the ODI series 🆚 🇮🇳 India. #CricketTwitter #BANvIND 📸: BCB pic.twitter.com/bAsCdxsByU
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) July 16, 2023
Indian selectors announced the squad for Asian Games on 14th July 2023 which consisted of several changes in the squad compared with the squad selected for India vs Bangladesh T20I series which recently concluded. Some of those changes included the inclusion of young wicketkeeper and batter Richa Ghosh, Titas Sadhu as well as the inclusion of Kanika Ahuja.
(Quotes sourced from IANS)
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