Sricharani earns India T20 World Cup call-up
Hyderabad : Telugu spinner Sricharani has earned her maiden selection in India’s Women’s T20 World Cup squad after her performance in the previous One-Day International World Cup. Telugu pacer Arundhati Reddy has retained her place following her showing in the last T20 World Cup.
India name squads for England tour and World Cup
The Board announced squads on Saturday for the Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales starting June 12, the three-match T20 series against England from May 28, and a one-off Test beginning July 10.
Wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia, pacer Bharati Fulmali, and uncapped Nandini Sharma have been included in the World Cup squad. Specialist batter Harleen Deol has been dropped. All-rounder Amanjot Kaur and seamer Kashvee Gautam miss out due to injuries.
Harmanpreet Kaur will lead the side, with Smriti Mandhana as vice-captain. Senior pacer Pooja Vastrakar has not been included. Renuka Singh will lead the pace attack, supported by Arundhati Reddy and Kranti Goud.
Arundhati picked seven wickets at an economy of 6.50 in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Sricharani took 14 wickets in the previous ODI World Cup, playing a key role in India’s title win, which secured her place in the T20 squad. She has also been selected for the Test squad, giving her opportunities across all three formats.
India will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Pakistan on June 14 in Birmingham.
Nandini Sharma, who impressed for Delhi Capitals in the Women’s Premier League, has received her maiden national call-up. Pratika Rawal has been selected for the one-off Test at Lord’s from July 10 to 13. Harleen Deol will lead India ‘A’ in the England tour.
India settle for bronze in Thomas Cup
India’s men’s badminton team failed to reach the final of the Thomas Cup Finals and settled for a bronze medal after losing to France in the semi-finals on Saturday.
Ayush Shetty lost 11-21, 9-21 to world No. 4 Christo Popov in the opening singles. Kidambi Srikanth went down 16-21, 18-21 in the second singles. In the third singles, H S Prannoy lost 21-16, 16-21 to Toma Junior Popov.
France secured a 3-0 victory to seal the tie, making the remaining doubles matches inconsequential. This marks India’s fourth bronze medal in the Thomas Cup, after earlier third-place finishes in 1952, 1955, and 1979.
