'If I say I’m not frustrated and angry, then I’m not a human being' - Shikha Pandey opens up on her non-selection for India's tour of Bangladesh

Despite performing well in the inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League, the team of selectors didn't show enough faith in Shikha Pandey as the star pacer has been dropped from India's white-ball squad that will soon travel to Bangladesh for a bilateral contest. 

Notably, Shikha was part of India’s squad that travelled to South Africa for the T20 World Cup but following the marquee event, the 34-year-old was strangely left out of the central contract and has not been considered for the upcoming tour to the neighbouring country.

Speaking about the same, the 34-year-old revealed that she has no idea why she was not considered for the Bangladesh series. However, she is optimistic and is ready to put in the hard work to make a strong return to the Indian squad. Pandey also mentioned that she is angry and frustrated but focused as well.

“If I say I’m not frustrated and angry, then I’m not a human being. It’s difficult when you don’t get the results for the work that you have put in. I’m sure there’s some reason behind it which I do not know. What’s in my hands is hard work, and I’m a stout believer in hard work. So it’s just about working hard until I am mentally and physically fit,” the Telangana-born cricketer told Sportstar.

“When I was dropped, I thought walking away from cricket was the right thing to do. Then it was suggested that it was an emotional period and I needed to give myself more time. You thought I still had a lot of cricket left in me, and I should play until the time I enjoy the sport. I’m disappointed right now, but the situation I’m put in is out of my control, the decisions I take to get out of it are completely in my hands,” she added.

Renuka Singh Thakur and Richa Ghosh are two other names that have not been picked for the Bangladesh tour. The team management is yet to open up on the thought process behind the same.