India opener Smriti Mandhana, on Tuesday, was named in both the International Cricket Council (ICC)’s ODI and T20 Teams of the Year. Along with Smriti, Jhulan Goswami, Poonam Yadav and Shikha Pandey have made it to the ODI team. In the T20 team, all-rounder Deepti Sharma and young Radha Yadav will join the 23-year-old Smriti.
The day could have been just another ordinary one for the India women, who are attending a Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) camp in Bangalore. But as news came in around noon, that five India players have made it to the ICC teams of the year, the mood obviously became one of happiness.
“I got the news around afternoon today (Tuesday),” said Jhulan, who is at the camp. “It feels fantastic. In the past, I have been nominated a few times, but I never made it to the final XI. To be considered one of the best players in the world this year is a great feeling.”
The 37-year-old pacer feels that India are now one of the better teams in the world. “After the 2017 World Cup, we have lost only a series to Australia and the Asia Cup final. We have won every other series.” Jhulan agreed that the heartbreaking loss in the 2017 World Cup final to England acted as a lesson. “We are very happy after hearing the news. It’s not often that so many India players get included in the ICC best of the year teams.”
Smriti sounded extremely happy that so many Indians have made the teams. “It really feels good that I am in both the ODI and T20 teams. My first aim is to perform for India. And when that gets appreciated, it is a validation that you have done well. I feel proud today.”
Asked what has been her motivation this year, she said: “The loss in the final of the 2017 World Cup really inspired me to do a lot better. I worked a lot on my batting as I didn’t want to go back to that phase again. The last two years have been good. I have understood a lot about my game. The only motivation, however, has been the will to win games for India.”
Asked about her teammates, she said: “We were all very happy... Jhulu di (Jhulan) is a legend in her own right. Poonam is our most consistent bowler and whenever the team needs a breakthrough, we look at her.
“Shikha di is a match-winner. Deepti, who made the T20 team, is very consistent. For Radha, to be included at such a young age (19) is just amazing. I am very happy for all of us. This team will achieve a lot together.”
