Notable U-19 players were leg-spinner Parshavi Chopra, opener Shweta Sehrawat, pacer Titas Sadhu, off-break bowler Archana Devi, and left-arm spinner Mannat Kashyap.
According to India legend Mithali Raj, three or four members of the victorious Women’s U-19 T20 World Cup side would move up to the senior level and might play an important part in the ODI World Cup in 2025. Some of the best players for the U-19 squad that beat England in the final on Sunday in Potchefstroom included leg-spinner Parshavi Chopra, opener Shweta Sehrawat, pacer Titas Sadhu, off-break bowler Archana Devi, and left-arm spinner Mannat Kashyap.
Mithali, who was asked by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to meet the players before the first edition, is pleased that women’s cricket now has a venue from where players may be advanced in their careers or otherwise prepared for the future.
Both the spinners and seamers have been outstanding, but we need to strengthen their senior ranks. It’s beneficial to expand one’s resources and solidify one’s player pool.
The U-19 level is noticeably different from the top level in terms of standards, technique, and temperament.
We’ll need to get through to them. “They are pretty talented,” Mithali, who retired from her 23-year international career last year, told PTI.
The women’s ODI batting leader praised the NCA in Bengaluru for its preparation of the team for the inaugural global age-group tournament.
She hopes that going ahead, the entire winning team will continue to compete on the domestic circuit while gradually bringing in the three or four players who are ready for the national team.
They should not be discouraged from participating in the domestic cricket competition. And WPL will get them the attention they need.
Although we have yet to claim a senior-level worldwide title, the next ODI World Cup will be held in our own backyard. This is obviously a top priority for the BCCI, and I have no doubt that these individuals will continue to see action,” the winning batter remarked.
Due to a smaller reservoir of talent, women’s U-19 cricket players have a much better chance of making it to the international level than their male counterparts do. Mithali believes a larger proportion of women’s cricket players from the U-19 World Cup should go on to represent India than the current average of one or two.
She also spoke highly of her time spent talking to the Shafali Verma-led team before the South African event began.
“We didn’t really get into any technical details. There were several questions centered on this beforehand work. Things include how to get ready, as there is a big difference between team training and individual preparation that you need to know about since these ladies are so young. Making that change is something I discussed.
She praised them as “extremely keen learners” and “quite lively” for their age group.
Mithali also spoke highly of Nooshin Al Khadeer, the head coach of the Women’s U-19 team.
“She has put in countless hours with these cricket players and truly deserves all the praise she receives. She has excelled in every role she’s been given, from playing for the Railways to playing cricket at the domestic level to playing for India’s U-19 team. When asked if she thinks Nooshin is ready to manage the senior India team, Mithali gave a confident yes.
Mithali will be a mentor for the Gujarat Giants, a team owned by Adani, in the “game-changing” Women’s Premier League.
There was talk that she would make a comeback to the field for the first season of the T20 league because she hasn’t officially retired from domestic cricket yet.
I knew I had played my last game when I announced my retirement in June of last year.
“The league is finally occurring in March and I could not be happier to be a part of it and contribute whatever I have learned over the years,” she continued.
