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India bowling all-rounder Shikha Pandey was recently dropped from the T20I and ODI squad for Bangladesh series which will start later this week. Pandey was left 'frustrated and angry' as she did not find a place in the 18-member India squad despite picking up 10 wickets for finalists of Women's Premier League (WPL) inaugural edition, Delhi Capitals (DC).
“If I say that I’m not frustrated and angry. Then I’m not a human being,” Pandey told WV Raman on Sportstar.
“It’s difficult when you don’t get the results for the work you’ve put in. I’m sure there is some reason behind it, which I do not know of,” the 34-year-old said with tears in her eyes.
Earlier, the pacer was dropped from India's squad for ODI World Cup 2022 in New Zealand where the Mithali Raj-led side was knocked out from the group stage. Later, she was selected for the T20 World Cup where India were knocked out by Australia at the semi-final stage.
“When I was dropped, I thought of walking away from cricket. Many people said I was talking an emotional call and suggested that I give myself some time in the sport. They thought I had some cricket left in me,” recalled.
The Telangana-born veteran pacer took two wickets against Meg Lanning-led side in the semi-final. Since then she has been playing domestic cricket for Wynnum-Manly Cricket Club. In the women's First Grade competition, she impressed with a century and two wickets on debut.
“Selections are not in my hands and I don’t know why I have not been picked. It’s just about keeping faith, I would say, and being hopelessly hopeful. I still think there’s some cricket left in me,” she added.
In addition to Pandey, wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh and pacer Renuka Singh are among notable exclusions. Uma Chetry who recently played for India A in the Emerging Asia Cup received her maiden call-up. The other two uncapped players are Anusha Bareddy and Rashi Kanojiya.
The three-T20I series will be played from July 9 to July 13. The three ODI series which is a part of ICC Championship will be played from July 16 to July 22. All the matches will be played at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka.
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