Shikha Pandey pens down heartfelt note after earning India comeback for T20 World Cup

The All India Women's Selection Committee announced Team India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup which is scheduled to begin on February 10, 2023, in South Africa. While up-and-coming players have been given an opportunity, pace spearhead Shikha Pandey earned a callback after putting up a series of impressive performances in the domestic setup.

The 33-year-old all-rounder last played an international match in October 2021, when India toured Australia. She was dropped from the squad for the ODI World Cup which took place in March-April 2022 in New Zealand and was not considered for any of India’s international outings in the year 2022. After a gap of 14 months, Pandey will be marking her return to international cricket.

Ever since Pandey’s last international match, India has played big tournaments like the World Cup 2022, the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, and the Women’s Asia Cup, apart from the bilateral series against Sri Lanka and the recently concluded five-match home T20I series against Australia. Pandey was not considered even in the absence of India’s key pacer Pooja Vastrakar.

But the Indian fans will now rejoice as the right-hander is all set to don the national jersey, again. Pandey took to Twitter to thank everyone who supported her throughout the year as she penned an emotional note that read:

“I had put this small poster up on my bedroom wall in February as an affirmation. My heart is filled with gratitude for everyone who stood by me this gone year and I am truly humbled by all your wishes. Hard work continues. #Blessed.”

The poster on Pandey’s wall read “Our greatest growth comes from our darkest times. You go.”

I had put this small poster up on my bedroom wall in February as an affirmation.⚡️

My heart is filled with gratitude for everyone who stood by me this gone year and I am truly humbled by all your wishes.🙏🏾

Hard work continues.💪🏾 #Blessed pic.twitter.com/XfbjdEwxSu

— Shikha Pandey (@shikhashauny) December 29, 2022

Shikha Pandey aims to continue her top form

In the recent domestic season, Shikha Pandey scalped 20 wickets in 16 games in the T20 format, at a wonderful economy rate of 4.63. Her consistency in the format is what helped her earn a place back with the side. In 51 innings of 56 T20I matches, Pandey has picked up 40 wickets at an economy of 6.47. She also has 207 runs from 27 innings and has chipped in with the bat whenever necessary.

The Indian team played a total of 43 international matches ever since Pandey’s last international match and the upcoming World Cup will be very crucial for her. The Women in Blue will face South Africa and West Indies in a tri-series before starting their World Cup preparations.