'Biggest Blunder' - Twitter slams BCCI selectors as Jemimah Rodrigues, Shikha Pandey excluded from World Cup squad

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selection committee somehow comes under the scanner when it comes to picking squads for showpiece events. On Wednesday (January 5), the All-India Women’s Selection Committee picked India’s squad for the five-match ODI series against New Zealand and subsequent Women’s World Cup. While the 15-player squad was studded with many prominent players, there were also some shocking exclusions.

Star batter Jemimah Rodrigues and all-rounder Shikha Pandey, who have been a vital cog of the national lately, were notable absentees and the same has left the cricket fraternity perplexed. Rodrigues, who’s known for her big-hitting abilities, has taken India to many victories single-handedly.  However, the national selectors went with the 21-year-old Yastika Bhatia, who made a strong impression in Australia last year.

Selectors favour fresh faces ahead of Jemimah Rodrigues, Shikha Pandey

On the other hand, Shikha made her last ODI appearance in July last year during the England tour. The 32-year-old was also part of the Australia tour that followed in September-October but didn’t get a chance in ODI playing XI. While the selectors or BCCI are yet to clarify her ouster, Meghna Singh and Renuka Singh’s rise seems to have pushed the senior player out of contention. It must be noted that the duo is uncapped in ODIs but have done well in the 20-over format.

Notably, BCCI women’s chief selector Neetu David remained tight-lipped on being asked about the duo’s ouster. “Right now we are not allowed to speak,” David told UNI after being asked about the controversial selection. It also must be noted that BCCI usually conducts a press conference to name a squad for the showpiece event. However, no such presser was arranged this time around. Hence, it would be interesting to see what the officials would say about the controversial selection.

India squad for 5 ODIs against NZ & ICC Women’s World Cup, 2022: Mithali Raj (Captain), Harmanpreet Kaur (vice-captain), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Yastika Bhatia, Richa Ghosh (wicket-keeper), Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Jhulan Goswami, Renuka Singh Thakur, Pooja Vastrakar, Meghna Singh, Taniya Bhatia (wicket-keeper), Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Poonam Yadav.

Standby Players: Sabbhineni Meghana, Ekta Bisht, Simran Dil Bahadur.

Meanwhile, let’s look at how Twitterati reacted to the saga:

An erroneous day for those who follow the Indian women's cricket team. However, looking at the twitter meltdown towards Rodrigues and Pandey coming from all corners, one thing is for sure that their prodigious abilities & excellent performances
(1/2) #CricketTwitter #BCCIwomen

— Malcolm Hendricks (@h_malcolm99) January 6, 2022

No Jemimah Rodrigues and Shikha Pandey in the India Women's squad for the Women's ODI World Cup 2022.#Cricket

— Rohit Fans (@RohitFans81) January 6, 2022

Going in without Shikha Pandey and Jemimah Rodrigues. Gotta feel for both on this one. https://t.co/u5P2lcas98

— Tazeen Syed (@Tazeen_11) January 6, 2022

. However, batter Jemimah Rodrigues and all-rounder Shikha Pandey have been excluded from the 15-member squad

— Kamlesh Kumawat 🇮🇳 (@Rashtrahindi) January 6, 2022

Where is Harleen Kaur Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shikha Pandey ? https://t.co/gFl16nGCQR

— Tamo (@footy_work) January 6, 2022

BCCI did a Rayudu to Jemimah Rodrigues and Shikha Pandey 😐

— Sharique (@Jerseyno93_) January 6, 2022

Shame on @BCCIWomen @BCCI
What happened to Shikha Pandey and Jemima Rodrigues? Sack the selectors 😡

— Jay (@jayush91) January 6, 2022

But selecrors dropped Shikha Pandey & Jemimah Rodrigues from Mitali Raj- led #India squad https://t.co/DbEIKW25uh

— Lokesh Chand (@Lokesh_2020V) January 6, 2022

You can drop Mithali Raj instead of Jemimah Rodrigues and Shikah Pandey @BCCIWomen Worst call 🤦🏻‍♂️#WomensWorldCup

— Blessing Benzer (@blessing_benzer) January 6, 2022

Excluding Jemima Rodrigues and Shikha Pandey even from WC squad is biggest blunder made by BCCI.. Might prove costly. Apart from the openers I don't see any player who can accelerate in the mid overs.

— Satyameva Jayate (@tulunaduUtd) January 6, 2022

Jemimah Rodrigues and Shikha Pandey are two players who have been dropped for the showpiece event set to be held in New Zealand from March 4 to April 3.

Standby Players:
Sabbhineni Meghana
Ekta Bisht
Simran Dil Bahadur

— Vtrakit Cricket (@Vtrakit) January 6, 2022

OH MY GOD! How am I supposed to whole-heartedly cheer for an Indian team with no JEMI RODRIGUES AND NO SHIKHA PANDEY IN IT? Imma cry.😭😭😭😭😭
It is going to hurt so so so bad if we lose this world cup. #CWC22 #CWC2022 #TeamIndia #ShikhaPandey #JemimahRodrigues #WomensWorldCup

— The Dim Laltain (@TheDimLaltain) January 6, 2022

Team India Women's squad for World Cup announced!

Mithali Raj to lead the Team at Mega Event

Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, Shikha Pandey & Radha Yadav misses out

Sneh Rana found her place as an all rounder in the squad whereas Ekta Bisht as stand by player#CWC22#NZvInd pic.twitter.com/L4SnxEjmgC

— Nilesh G (@oye_nilesh) January 6, 2022