The Women’s Premier League has emerged as a vital platform for domestic and uncapped players to showcase their talent on a grand stage. This league has opened avenues for players to exhibit their skills, ensuring that their abilities don’t escape the notice of selectors. It lays the groundwork for potential international call-ups in the future. Looking ahead, the India tour of Bangladesh presents an exciting opportunity.
Scheduled to commence on April 28, the five-match T20I series will be hosted entirely in Sylhet. Three-night games are scheduled for the main stadium, while two-day games will unfold at an outer venue. Night games kick off at 6:30 pm local time, with day games commencing at 2 pm. Notably, this marks India’s second tour of Bangladesh in as many years and their third overall. In the previous tour in 2023, India showcased a commendable performance, winning the T20I series 2-1 and drawing the ODI series 1-1.
This forthcoming series holds particular significance for India, serving as a crucial preparation phase for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup, set to take place in Bangladesh in September-October.
Fixture for the India tour of Bangladesh-
April 28 – 1st T20I (night)
April 30 – 2nd T20I (night)
May 2 – 3rd T20I (day)
May 6 – 4th T20I (day)
May 9 – 5th T20I (night)
Numerous uncapped players from different franchises have demonstrated their true potential, shining brightly and showcasing their exceptional talent at the WPL stage, and might get future debut calls soon, here looking forward to the Bangladesh T20I series these players stand out as potential debutants whose inclusion could significantly reinforce the team’s strength.
Sobhana Asha
The standout bowler for the 2024 WPL champions, Royal Challengers Bangalore, played a pivotal role in guiding the team to victory. In the opening match for Bangalore, she showcased her exceptional skills by claiming the first-ever 5-wicket haul of the season, becoming the first Indian to achieve this feat in the tournament. Her impact continued throughout the tournament, even in the finals she took 2 crucial wickets resulting in Bangalore’s victory. Finishing among the top 3 highest wicket-takers of the tournament, she claimed a total of 12 wickets in 10 innings with an impressive average of 15.41, an economy rate of 7.11, and a strike rate of 13.00. Her standout performance was a remarkable 5-fer conceding just 22 runs in the match against UP Warriorz. Her Leg Break bowling style can add more depth to the Indian bowling lineup.
Sajeevan Sajana
The all-rounder and finisher for the Mumbai Indians, she showcased her capabilities brilliantly with a clutch finish against the Delhi Capitals, playing a significant role in the team’s maiden victory in the 2024 season opener. Her last-ball maximum turned the game in their favor, securing the first win of the season. Demonstrating her flexibility as a batter, she even opened the innings in a later match against the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Despite limited bowling opportunities, she made an impact by claiming her first wicket on her debut delivery. Throughout 9 innings, she accumulated 87 runs, with her highest score of 30 coming against RCB. Impressively, she maintained a strike rate of 158.18 and an outstanding average of 29, with 13 boundaries and 3 maximums to her name. Her versatility makes her an invaluable asset in the lower middle order, capable of playing the role of a finisher. Additionally, her off-break potential adds options to the bowling lineup, making her a potential bowling option when required.
Tanuja Kanwer
Leading the charge for the Gujarat Giants, Tanuja emerged as their standout performer, with the title of highest wicket-taker. With a remarkable tally of 10 wickets in 8 innings, she maintained an impressive average of 20.7, along with an economy rate of 7.13 and a striking rate of 17.4. She was consistent throughout the tournament, her best figures were against the Delhi Capitals, where she secured 2 pivotal wickets conceding just 20 runs. Her expertise lies in Slow left-arm Orthodox bowling, which can extend the bowling potential of the future Indian team’s bowling lineup. Furthermore, she showcased her versatility by making significant contributions with the bat, accumulating a total of 46 runs across 8 matches, with a notable knock of 28 runs against the Mumbai Indians. This highlights her ability as a skilled all-rounder.