PoojaVastrakar adds variety to India’s bowling attack with her medium pace.
As India gears up for the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, the team’s bowling attack will play a crucial role in their campaign. With conditions in the UAE favouring spinners and change-of-pace seamers, India’s bowling unit is stacked with experienced players who can make an impact. Here’s a closer look at the top four wicket-takers who are expected to shine in the tournament.
Deepti Sharma has been a linchpin in India’s bowling attack since her debut in 2016. With 131 wickets in 117 matches, she is the leading wicket-taker in the current Indian squad. Deepti’s off-spin has been incredibly effective in T20 cricket, as her ability to control the flow of runs and take key wickets makes her one of the most reliable bowlers in the world.
Her best bowling figures of 4/10 show her ability to dismantle an opposition lineup, and her bowling average of 18.70 and economy rate of 5.97 demonstrate her consistency over time. Deepti’s sharp understanding of conditions and her knack for bowling in pressure situations make her a key player for India’s World Cup campaign. Her ability to keep the scoring rate low while also picking up regular wickets will be vital on the slower pitches of the UAE.
Deepti Sharma has been a linchpin in India’s bowling attack // Picture Courtesy — My Khel
Radha Yadav is another crucial spinner in India’s bowling arsenal. Having taken 90 wickets in 80 matches since her debut in 2018, Radha has become a potent weapon for India, particularly in the T20 format. Her left-arm orthodox spin has troubled batters across the world, and her best figures of 4/23 reflect her wicket-taking abilities.
Radha’s bowling average of 19.62 and an economy rate of 6.55 show her ability to balance wicket-taking with run containment. As a bowler who thrives in subcontinental conditions, Radha’s role will be crucial in the UAE, where the slow pitches are likely to assist her. Her ability to break partnerships and control the middle overs will be a significant factor for India in this tournament.
PoojaVastrakar adds variety to India’s bowling attack with her medium pace. With 57 wickets in 70 matches since 2018, Pooja has grown into a reliable pace bowler for India in the shorter format. Her best bowling performance of 4/13 demonstrates her ability to take wickets at key moments, making her an asset in crucial games.
Pooja’s bowling average of 21.24 and a respectable economy rate of 6.36 indicate her efficiency as aseamer. In conditions that may not favor fast bowling, her accuracy and ability to vary her pace will be essential in breaking partnerships. Vastrakar’s versatility also allows her to adapt to different match situations, whether it’s containing runs in the powerplay or striking in the death overs.
PoojaVastrakar has taken 57 wickets in 70 matches // Picture Courtesy — News 18
Renuka Singh Thakur, the most recent addition to India’s pace attack, has already made a mark with her performances. Since her debut in 2021, Renuka has picked up 50 wickets in 47 matches, quickly establishing herself as a reliable option for India. Her best bowling figures of 5/15 highlight her potential to be a match-winner.
With a bowling average of 22.02 and an economy rate of 6.40, Renuka combines wicket-taking ability with economical bowling. What sets her apart is her knack for delivering breakthroughs at crucial junctures, especially with the new ball. Her ability to swing the ball and maintain a tight line makes her a dangerous bowler in the powerplay, and she will be key to India’s success in the tournament.
India’s bowling attack for the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is diverse and experienced. Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav bring the spin options that will be crucial on UAE pitches, while PoojaVastrakar and Renuka Singh Thakur offer pace and variation. Each bowler has the ability to control the game in their own way, and their performances will likely define India’s chances in the competition. As the team heads into the World Cup, these four bowlers will be central to India’s strategy as they aim for a title win.
