Harmanpreet Kaur backs comeback pacer Shikha Pandey

Shikha is making her comeback in the Indian side [Source: Twitter]

The Indian Women's team under Harmanpreet Kaur gears up to clash against South Africa and West Indies in a T20 Tri-Nation series, ahead of the marquee ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023 next month. 

In a surprise inclusion, the selectors included pace Shikha Pandey into both the squads, who last played for India in October 2021. 

Kaur, on the eve of the first match of the Tri-Nation series, has backed the veteran bowler and called her an X-factor for India in the upcoming WT20 World Cup.

Pandey, 33, is a two-time World Cup finalist with India (WC 2017 & T20 WC 2020) and has played 55 ODIs, 56 T20Is, and 3 Tests, picking up 119 international wickets in all. 

According to NEWS18, Kaur revealed Pandey's experience is one of the key reasons behind her inclusion in the squad. 

Here's what Kaur said

“The tracks in South Africa are more friendly. We wanted to strengthen our medium pace lineup as we are in South Africa. We need more pace bowling options. She (Shikha) did really well in the domestic season. She has done really well for the country whenever she got an opportunity. That’s the reason she has been recalled.

She’s someone who can swing in powerplay, she has the experience to bowl in death overs also. We have given her different types of scenarios where she can go and execute herself."

Kaur further stated that getting back into rhythm ahead of the global tournament is of paramount importance for them, after a tough series loss to Australia last month back home. 

India and South Africa clash today in the first match of the T20 Tri-Nation series. 

Also Read: Van Niekerk misses out as South Africa announce squad for Women's Tri Series