“Not surprised. Happy? Yes, because it’s been a good reward for my hard work, patience and what I went through [during this time out of the team],” the Himachal Pradesh girl said.
“It’s just only I know what I went through these five-six years when I was not part of the T20 team. If you look at the growth of women’s cricket, it happened in the past five-six years, post the 2017 World Cup. So I was seeing everybody growing around [me] cricket-wise. There were expectations and I had to work hard on the areas that could help me meet those expectations.”
Sushma’s last T20 appearance for India was way back in 2016. She continued to be a regular in the ODI sides till 2018, including the side that reached the ODI World Cup final in 2017, but was not getting into first elevens in the T20Is despite featuring in several squads. She also made it to the squad as recently as March 2021 when South Africa visited India. Again, she played in the ODIs but again watched the T20Is from the bench.
Comeback, not a debut
At the moment, there are at least two wicketkeepers ahead of her in the proverbial queue – Richa Ghosh and Yastika Bhatia. The latter is also part of the Tri-series squad and is likely to be the first choice in the playing eleven. In view of the upcoming World Cup, the team management might prefer to give as much game time to Yastika as possible.
“I’m patient. I’m not thinking much. I’m just waiting for the opportunity because I know that I’m not making a debut. I am someone who is making a comeback, and comeback has to be special where you make a difference,” 30-year-old Sushma said.
“I can’t compare myself with others who are fresh into the setup and have that window where they can take their time to settle down. My role would be different. I have to be impactful, make a difference, make the team win. So, that’s what is in my mind. I have prepared for this.”
Sushma is an excellent wicketkeeper but it was her batting that had cost her a place in the Indian team. Her averages (9.65 and 10.33) and strike rates (57.78 and 81.57) in ODIs and T20Is respectively speak clearly of those issues. Now, she claims to have worked on those problems.
“I worked on my fitness first because people consider T20 more of a power-hitting game. So I worked on those areas where I can hit almost every ball. When I want to hit a six and a four, I should be able to hit it,” Sushma said.
“I prepared that way in the gym, in the training and then later with the people who have been efficient in the T20 format, and those who have worked in the IPL. I’m surrounded with that sort of support staff now. They have that vision, how to mold your game because T20 has different demands. So I was lucky enough that I had time. Staying away from the (Indian team) setup has given me time to work on my game.”
Excited for WIPL
An improved batting may not only open the doors of the national team for her, it may also benefit her in securing a good contract in the upcoming Women’s Indian Premier League (WIPL), that’s likely to have its first edition after the T20 World Cup.
“Money is like the very last thing for me. It’s just that I love this game. I am passionate about this. So it doesn’t matter where I am playing, I just want to play more cricket,” Sushma said.
“Everybody is excited for WIPL. Last four-five seasons we just had three or four games. There were also not many domestic cricketers who deserved to be there. They didn’t get that platform in the last 5-6 years. But now I’m excited for these players.
“Earlier, the most competitive phase used to be only when you played for India. But now, mixing up with overseas players is going to make a big difference in the approach of Indian domestic cricketers. Playing with that sort of pressure is going to be very exciting. I’m looking forward to it.”
