LEFT-HAND VIEW : Challenger tournament is crucial for Indian women’s cricket

By Anjum ChoprRecently, Vijayawada hosted the senior womens cricket Challenger.

The four teams of Indian A, B and C were the probables.

These players showed their talents in the domestic senior womens tournament.Only Radha Yadav, one of eight India players that were part the Womens Big Bash League in Australia (WBBL), participated in Challenger.

She is primarily known for her excellent bowling and played an outstanding match for India C.After her team had lost six wickets, she scored a half-century (82), and forged a century-plus partnership (139).She displayed all the lessons she learned from being a professional cricketer through her confidence and application.

It was obvious that her teammates, both younger and older, were rubbing shoulders with the young lady.With their presence in the locker room and on the field, a player who is from the same setup as India can be a big draw.

Although the other players could also participate in the tournament, they were not allowed to rest due to their work load management structure.You can argue whether they should participate in this tournament, and the rules that apply to all players.But thats another discussion.

It was heartening to see the Indian selectors, support staff and players present at all matches on the two adjoining grounds.They were able to spot the past and future.

At the moment, the Indian team is trying to achieve the perfect balance.The present may seem good, but the future must be bright and full of promise.

Finding the perfect balance is always a difficult task.This is where the role and contributions of those who manage it are crucial.

You must create a path, put money into the process and find the right warriors.

The shift in the absence of the two veterans, Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami, needs to be smooth.

Never can one immediately fill the shoes of experience but the process needs initiation.India does find spinners easier than pace bowlers.

India women travel to New Zealand in the New Year.They are scheduled to play a series prior to heading into the ICC womens 50-over World Cup.The tournament -- of which India are the runners-up from 2017 -- has been delayed by a year due to the pandemic.The series allows a perfect opportunity for players to acclimatise to the conditions.

They will have good batting conditions but seam and pace bowlers will be required to compliment the Indian spinners.During the recent tours of England and Australia, a couple of new names stood out with their performances.

Meghna Singh and Renuka Singh played their part well and had a good Challenger tournament along with S.Meghana, Yastika Bhatia, Simran Bahadur and Ayushi Soni who have been a part of the Indian dressing room.A few young players like Disha Kasat, Chandu Ram, Rashi Kanojia, Amanjot Kaur, Kanika Ahuja, Kashvee Gautam had impressive performance too -- an opportunity for the decision-makers to have a closer look at them in the training camp prior to next years travel.

Changing too many is rarely a good idea and the challenge for the Ramesh Powar-coached team will be to find the appropriate balance in the squad.Likely to travel with extra players keeping the Covid protocols in perspective, the talented bunch is getting good exposure by playing more competitive cricket around the world.

The positive discussion in India continues for a having their own womens league.Until then, the regular matches and Challenger Trophy tournaments will allow the best opportunity for hopefuls to get noticed.

(Anjum Chopra is a former Indian woman Test cricketer)akm/