12 March,2016 01:11 AM IST | | Shweta Haranhalli
While experts rate Dhoni and Co favourites to win the World Twenty20 title a second time, the Indian eves are also among the front runners to lift the coveted trophy. Here's the profiles of Mithali Raj's team
Mithali Raj
Mithali Raj has been handed the responsibility of leading the Indian team in the fifth edition of the ICC Women's World Twenty20. With over 1400 runs in 55 T20 internationals, Mithali is one of the vital cogs in this Indian batting department. The 33-year-old was in sublime form in the run-up to the World Cup scoring a crucial, unbeaten 51 in the second T20I against Sri Lanka at Ranchi last month.
Harmanpreet Kaur
The 25-year-old right-handed batter from Punjab is one of the mainstays in this batting line-up. Harmanpreet was instrumental in India recording their highest-ever run chase of 140 in the opening match of T20 series against Australia by scoring a quickfire 46 off just 31 balls. Known for her big-hitting abilities and electric fielding, she's one of the players to watch out for in the upcoming World Cup.
Jhulan Goswami
The tall medium pacer from Bengal is currently ranked No 1 in the ICC ODI bowling rankings. Recipient of the ICC women's player of the year in 2007, she is one of the most experienced players in the Indian squad. Leader of the bowling unit, Goswami is also more than handy with the bat lower down the order.
Smriti Mandhana
The young batting sensation from Sangli is a player to watch out for. The 19-year-old made her T20 debut in April 2013 against Bangladesh. Since then she has been an integral part of Team India. The left-hander recently got her maiden ODI hundred in Australia and has been in tremendous form in the build up to the World T20.
Ekta Bisht
The 30-year-old left-arm spinner is the first cricketer from Almora, Uttarakhand to represent the country. She made her T20 international debut in June 2011 against Australia. In the 2012 edition of the ICC Women's World T20, Bisht bagged a hat-trick in the last over of the innings to help India restrict Sri Lanka and register a comfortable victory in the group stage.
Thirush Kamini
The left-handed opening batter scored a brilliant hundred against West Indies in the opening match of the ICC Women's World Cup in 2013. Making her debut in 2008 against Australia, Kamini is known for her power hitting at the top of the order. The 25-year-old last played a T20I in 2014. Her last ODI appearance was against Sri Lanka last month.
Niranjana Nagarajan
The right-hand medium pacer from Chennai is known for her ability to swing the ball both ways. Turning out for Railways in the domestic cricket tournament, the 27-year-old made useful contributions with the bat in the middle order and is shaping up as a genuine all-rounder.
Veda Krishnamurthy
The right-handed middle order batswoman made her international debut in June 2011 against Australia. She is known for her aggressive style of play. The Karnataka-born player is also an outstanding fielder and a handy leg break bowler.
Shikha Pandey
The medium pacer from Goa holds a degree in Electronics and Electrical Engineering from the Goa College of Engineering. The 26-year-old all-rounder has been a consistent performer for Team India with both bat and ball. She currently works with the Indian Air Force as an Air Traffic Controller.
Anuja Patil
The off-spinner from Kolhapur represents Maharashtra on the domestic circuit. The 23-year-old is known for her ability to bowl with the new ball and provide the team with cameos in the lower order. Anuja was impressive with both bat and bowl in the recently concluded T20 home series against Sri Lanka.
Rajeshwari Gayakwad
The left-arm spinner from Karnataka made her T20 debut vs Sri Lanka in January 2014. The 24-year-old is known for her accurate line and length and has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket.
Sushma Verma
The wicketkeeper from Himachal Pradesh made her first appearance in T20I against Bangladesh in April 2013. She is the first cricketer from HP to represent the nation. The 23-year-old is the only specialist 'keeper in the 15-member squad. She equalled the record for most number of dismissals in a T20 match vs NZ in Bangalore.
Poonam Yadav
The leg-spinner from Uttar Pradesh is known for her ability to consistently toss the ball up in the right areas. The 24-year-old was the only player from the Indian team to be part of the ICC Women's T20 Team of the Year in 2014 edition with 8 scalps.
Deepti Sharma
Deepti Sharma (18) is a left-handed batter and right-arm off-spinner. Deepti made her T20 debut vs Australia this year. She claimed 6-20 in the final ODI against Sri Lanka at Ranchi.
Vellaswamy Vanitha
The opening batter from Karnataka is handed the responsibility of getting the team off to a flying start. The 25-year-old is known for her unorthodox style of play and aggressive fielding. Vanitha, scored 34 off 25 balls in the last T20 vs Sri Lanka.
