India origin girls have proved their mettle on the women cricket field of the USA like never before. It will be heartening to note that the recently announced US cricket team for the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup has all 15 players of the Indian origin. So much so that team coach Shivnarine Chanderpaul, a former captain of the West Indies cricket team, is also a cricketer of Indian origin.
The news led to interesting tweets on the social media. “USA Cricket team or India B team?” quipped Vignesh. Delighted Vasu Srini, said, “Good. Each name when I spell in my mind I got a feel like India B team. I am going to support US team because an Indian wherever she plays am always support. 135 crore population definitely they can’t get chance in India. Let them show their victory overseas.”
Those raising question of no US native person in the list, Mukul Kumar tweeted, “But this is the only way to make women cricket popular in USA because these girls will set a platform for native Americans.”
The World Cup is scheduled to be held in South Africa from January 2023. Geetika Kodali will be captain of the 15-player women cricket team. While Anika Kolan is the vice-captain.
In a press statement, USA Women cricket team Coach, Shivnarine Chanderpaul said, “After a brilliant tour of Dubai, we are focusing on final preparations for this historic World Cup for the players and for the USA. We showed throughout the year the kind of cricket that we can play. World Cups are incredibly special and we are really looking forward to representing the country on this fantastic platform.”
The 15-member team comprises Geetika Kodali (Captain), Anika Kolan (WK) (Vice Captain), Aditi Chudasama, Bhumika Bhadriraju, Disha Dhingra, Isani Vaghela, Jivana Aras, Laasya Mullapudi, Pooja Ganesh (WK), Pooja Shah, Ritu Singh, Sai Tanmayi Eyyunni, Snigdha Paul, Suhani Thadani and Taranum Chopra.
Something for Indians to celebrate? Certainly!!