NEW DELHI: A 12 months in the past Shikha Pandey was unexpectedly neglected of the Indian crew and the pacer’s comeback for the T20 World Cup subsequent month has additionally come out of nowhere, leaving her “pleasantly surprised”.
The 33-year-old final performed for India on the tour of Australia in October 2021 and was an integral a part of the crew within the lead as much as the 2022 ODI World Cup in New Zealand.
So, being dropped from the crew got here as a giant setback however the former Indian Air Force officer discovered solace in getting again to the grind of home cricket the place she excelled and obtained shut together with her Goa teammates.
Time spent with former Australia captain Belinda Clark Down Under additionally contributed immensely in her comeback bid.
With the selectors falling again on the expertise of Shikha after testing just a few children, there can be extra strain to carry out however she is up for the problem.
“I try to take one day at a time. Short term goals help me a lot. There is always pressure to perform and I am hoping I am better equipped this time around.
“I did properly within the home circuit this season and was proud of how I used to be going. I obtained a really constructive suggestions from my coaches at Zonals and challengers. Yeah I used to be pleasantly shocked,” the 33-year-old told PTI.
Shikha is at the NCA in Bengaluru along with her India teammates and will be leaving for South Africa on January 11. The World Cup will be preceded by a tri-series involving India, West Indies and hosts South Africa, beginning January 19.
The experienced fast bowler forced her way into the Indian team after a stellar domestic season in which she picked up 20 wickets in 16 games at an average of 13.45.
Besides the support of her family, Shikha said her Goa teammates helped her tide over the tough times.
“I’ve all the time liked coming again and taking part in for my state aspect. Even after I wasn’t away on worldwide duties, I’d by no means miss an opportunity to play alongside my state crew mates.
“I have some close friends in the team and the bond just got stronger. We have some absolute superstars in Goa side and I can’t wait for them to make it big in future.”
Without naming them, Shikha stated she was in contact with just a few India teammates throughout her time away from the nationwide aspect.
A booming inswinger to wash up Australia opener Alyssa Healy throughout the 2021 tour was rated because the “ball of the summer” and Shikha could be anticipated to land lots of these inswingers in South Africa.
Bringing the ball again into the appropriate hander is Shikha’s greatest energy and he or she desires to take care of that consistency.
“I have worked hard to hit those lengths consistently and stay in the moment- attitude (in the last 12 months).”
Did her time on the sidelines make her a greater cricketer and a greater particular person?
“I have always believed hard work doesn’t go waste and the situations you are put in don’t define you but the decisions you take to deal with them do.
“My household, properly wishers, coaches, help employees and administration at GCA and my state crew mates. All their assist was huge (after I was not a part of the crew),” Shikha added.
The 33-year-old final performed for India on the tour of Australia in October 2021 and was an integral a part of the crew within the lead as much as the 2022 ODI World Cup in New Zealand.
So, being dropped from the crew got here as a giant setback however the former Indian Air Force officer discovered solace in getting again to the grind of home cricket the place she excelled and obtained shut together with her Goa teammates.
Time spent with former Australia captain Belinda Clark Down Under additionally contributed immensely in her comeback bid.
With the selectors falling again on the expertise of Shikha after testing just a few children, there can be extra strain to carry out however she is up for the problem.
“I try to take one day at a time. Short term goals help me a lot. There is always pressure to perform and I am hoping I am better equipped this time around.
“I did properly within the home circuit this season and was proud of how I used to be going. I obtained a really constructive suggestions from my coaches at Zonals and challengers. Yeah I used to be pleasantly shocked,” the 33-year-old told PTI.
Shikha is at the NCA in Bengaluru along with her India teammates and will be leaving for South Africa on January 11. The World Cup will be preceded by a tri-series involving India, West Indies and hosts South Africa, beginning January 19.
The experienced fast bowler forced her way into the Indian team after a stellar domestic season in which she picked up 20 wickets in 16 games at an average of 13.45.
Besides the support of her family, Shikha said her Goa teammates helped her tide over the tough times.
“I’ve all the time liked coming again and taking part in for my state aspect. Even after I wasn’t away on worldwide duties, I’d by no means miss an opportunity to play alongside my state crew mates.
“I have some close friends in the team and the bond just got stronger. We have some absolute superstars in Goa side and I can’t wait for them to make it big in future.”
Without naming them, Shikha stated she was in contact with just a few India teammates throughout her time away from the nationwide aspect.
A booming inswinger to wash up Australia opener Alyssa Healy throughout the 2021 tour was rated because the “ball of the summer” and Shikha could be anticipated to land lots of these inswingers in South Africa.
Bringing the ball again into the appropriate hander is Shikha’s greatest energy and he or she desires to take care of that consistency.
“I have worked hard to hit those lengths consistently and stay in the moment- attitude (in the last 12 months).”
Did her time on the sidelines make her a greater cricketer and a greater particular person?
“I have always believed hard work doesn’t go waste and the situations you are put in don’t define you but the decisions you take to deal with them do.
“My household, properly wishers, coaches, help employees and administration at GCA and my state crew mates. All their assist was huge (after I was not a part of the crew),” Shikha added.