Shikha last played a T20I for India against Australia in October 2021. The right-arm swing bowler has been named as part of the 15-member Indian squad for the T20 World Cup to be played in South Africa in February this year.
In a video shared on her YouTube channel, Chopra was asked about the reason behind Shikha Pandey’s inclusion in the squad, to which she responded:
Chopra reckons the experienced seamer might have been included due to the uncertainties surrounding Pooja Vastrakar’s fitness, elaborating:
Shikha has scalped 40 wickets in the 56 T20Is she has played. Her presence will also add a little more depth to the batting as she can contribute a few handy runs down the order.
“Rajeshwari Gayakwad should play in the first XI” - Anjum Chopra
Chopra was further asked if Sneh Rana should have been included instead of Rajeshwari Gayakwad. She replied in the negative, saying:
The former Indian skipper was also asked whether India should open with either Yastika Bhatia or Harleen Deol in T20Is, to which she replied:
Chopra concluded by observing that Yastika might get a chance in the tri-series in South Africa, as both Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh will be with the under-19 team at the time. However, she feels it would be difficult for the wicketkeeper-batter to get a place at the top of the order at the T20 World Cup.
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