Hindustan Times ST (Mumbai) - Live
‘Contemplated quitting when I was out of team’
CHANDIGARH: Shikha Pandey has done well for her state Goa, South Zone and in the Challenger Trophy this season, but the experienced pacer was still unsure whether she would be part of the team for the upcoming T20 World Cup in South Africa. And when the BCCI announced her inclusion for the tri-series and the subsequent World Cup, the two-time World Cup finalist (ODI WC in 2017 and T20 WC in 2020) was overjoyed. Excerpts:
You last played for India in October 2021. How did you feel in your time away from the team?
I was heartbroken when I did not make the ODI World Cup squad last year but after a while resilience took over. I tried channelising my energies better by improving my game. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised to get picked for the tri-series and the World Cup.
It surely was a dark phase, but the path that I was on and the goal I set out for myself was such that I had no other way than to be positive. I have a great family, coaches, and so many well-wishers and friends who helped me along the way. I did doubt myself, and thoughts of quitting came across my mind. But my mentors advised me not to take any decision in haste. And that trick worked.
It is known that you went
I went to Brisbane to play club cricket and venture out of my comfort zone. I was not in the World Cup or the Commonwealth Games teams. So, I thought of going to Australia. It surely helped me and I enjoyed the game. I got in touch with Belinda Clark (former Australia cricketer) to help me set a few goals, not entirely cricket related, and I am fortunate that it all materialised. She was just great and I am thankful to her for her time and guidance.
How do you look at the new-look team?
It is a young Indian side that is very capable and has many glorious years ahead of it. Mithali di and Jhulu di and all the ex-cricketers paved the way for this generation. It is great to see a medium pacer like Renuka Thakur and the whole bowling group doing well.