Women's T20 World Cup 2023: Smriti Mandhana set to be back in action against West Indies

After missing India’s opening game of the Women's T20 World Cup 2023 against Pakistan, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana is likely to return to the playing XI in the upcoming contest against West Indies. The 26-year-old was sidelined with a finger injury against the arch-rivals but coach Troy Cooley is hopeful that she will recover in time to take on West Indies at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town on Wednesday, February 15.

The bowling coach mentioned that Smriti is currently working very hard and her progress will be monitored from time to time. He revealed that the opener has done everything she could do and thus, he and the team is very much hopeful that Mandhana will be able to play against the Hayley Matthews-led Caribbean side.

“I think, yeah, she (Mandhana) has been working very hard. And I think from today, it'll obviously be assessed after today, but she did everything she was needed to be done today. And I think, yeah, from us, we look at how she pulls up. But we're pretty confident that she got through the session today and did everything she needed to do,” said Cooley as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

Cooley talks about the importance of Deepti Sharma in the mix

Deepti Sharma is arguably one of the finest all-rounders in world cricket at the moment. However, the 25-year-old failed to make a mark in the game against Pakistan, conceding 39 runs in her four overs. Despite so, Cooley backed the cricketer and mentioned the kind of impact she can create with the ball.

“Well, as you know, she (Deepti) is an exceptional player and she bowled three overs in the powerplay, one at the death with three fielders out. So, we know that those are high-pressure times, but you know, who better to give the ball to than someone like Deepti?

The conversations are really, you know, did you bowl the ball you want? Did you have the field you wanted? And away you go. So, you know, we let things go as much as we can, but the girls are very good at reviewing their own performances,” he added.

Click here to read about the T20 World Cup 2023 Points Table Standing

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