After becoming the highest paid player in the Women’s Premier League auction thanks to Royal Challengers Bangalore bid of INR 3.40 Crore, Smriti Mandhana is in line to return for India in their next ICC Women’s T20 World cup 2023 at South Africa.
The left-handed batter missed India’s first match against arch-rivals Pakistan but she will return against West Indies says India bowling coach Troy Cooley. The Blues started their T20 world cup campaign on a high note after registering a 7-wicket win against Pakistan.
Shafali Verma’s important 33 runs alongside Jemimah Rodrigues‘ man of the match winning 53 off 38 balls led India towards a bright opening to the World cup. Today, India will square off against West Indies for their 2nd Group B fixture and a win by a heavy margin will make them group leaders.
What a win for Indian women's cricket team. What a knock, Well played Richa Ghosh and Jemimah Rodrigues vs Pakistan.#INDvsPAK #T20WorldCup2023 pic.twitter.com/J4G20DQROS
— Shashiveer Sharma (@ShashiveerShar1) February 12, 2023
Meanwhile, Smriti Mandhana who sustained a finger injury has recovered fully and the 26-year-old opener is all set to replace Yastika Bhatia in the opening slot. Troy Cooley provided major updates on Mandhana’s updates and said that she has been working hard to attain full fitness.
Smriti Mandhana is back for India. pic.twitter.com/Y4hCc22cep
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 15, 2023
Cooley also said that Smriti did everything right and passed all the tests to prove full fitness. “She has been working very hard and she will be assessed after training. “She did everything that needed to be done and we are pretty confident she got through the session Ok.”
India’s bowling coach also spoke upon India’s performance and Deepti Sharma was also in the context. “She bowled three overs in the powerplay and one at the death with three fielders out. We know those are high-pressure situations but who better to give the ball to than someone like Deepti? She is an exceptional player.”
Meanwhile, India have lost the toss at the Newlands Cricket Ground as the West Indies won the toss and elected to Bat first.
