Newly-appointed women’s chief selector Neetu David says her panel's focus will be on unearthing more young talent like 16-year-old Shafali Verma, who became an overnight star with her rare six-hitting ability.
One of the finest spinners to have come out of India, David very much understands the requirements of modern-day limited-overs cricket.
Opening batter Shafali was 15 when she earned her maiden-call up last year and six months after making her India debut, she played a major role in the team’s march to the T20 World Cup final in March.
“The way cricket is being played, it is quick and for that we need more players like Shafali. Earlier, the approach was different but but now you see batters trying to be aggressive from the word go even in domestic cricket. We want to give opportunity to those kind of players,” the 43-year-old, who has taken over from Hemlata Kala, told PTI.
David holds the world record for best bowling figures in an innings in a Test — 8/53 against England in Jamshedpur in 1995. She played 10 Tests, taking 41 wickets. She retired from international cricket in 2008.
The first assignment of the David-led panel will be picking three teams for the Women’s T20 Challenge, to held in UAE in November alongside the IPL play-offs. Picking squads will be a challenge as no cricket has been played since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Nothing is permanent. Change is the rule of nature but experience counts a lot. Experience and youthful energy in the team is a good combination.