Coach Raman’s inputs helped me improve: Shikha

MUMBAI: She was dropped from India’s squad for 2018 women’s World T20 in the West Indies. During India’s recent tour of New Zealand, she took only two wickets in three ODIS at an average of 40.50. But against England, she has been India’s standout bowler, claiming six wickets in two games.

Meet Shikha Pandey, India’s new ball bowler who is employed with the Indian Air Force. On Monday after returning with career-best figures of 4/18 to fashion India’s seven-wicket victory over England, Pandey spoke about how the World Cup snub didn’t take a toll on her confidence and that she was always sure of delivering the goods. The 29-year-old also downplayed her animated celebration after taking a wicket, saying it was not in the response to the World Cup snub. “I know where it is coming from. Normally, I don’t celebrate my wickets so much. It’s just that getting dropped from World T20 side (was) something which wasn’t in my hands so I’m only trying to help myself with things that are in my control. I’m bowling well in the nets and just taking confidence from it. I wouldn’t say that getting dropped from T20 side has sparked something in me,” Pandey said.

Pandey was all praise for team coach WV Raman, saying his inputs helped her turn things around after New Zealand tour. “I knew I was bowling well. I have worked a lot to be consistent. There were a few technical issues which were brought to my notice by Raman sir. He is someone who you can speak about bowling and he is always there with an opinion about it. I would say, he caught the flaw during the Challengers. Those minute things actually helped a lot,” she said.