New Delhi, May 14 – Off-spinner Sneh Rana credited her triumphant return to the Indian women’s cricket team to key inputs from bowling coach Avishkar Salvi, whose tactical advice proved instrumental during the recently concluded multi-nation ODI series in Sri Lanka.
Rana emerged as the tournament's leading wicket-taker, scalping 15 wickets and equalling the long-standing record set by Australia’s Cathryn Fitzpatrick. Her ability to read the batter-friendly pitches and strategically alter her pace proved decisive.
“I had a word with our bowling coach, Avishkar sir… He told us what kind of deliveries would work there,” Rana said. “The ball was coming onto the bat nicely, so we were advised to cut off the pace and bowl fuller.”
Despite facing flat pitches where individual ODIs witnessed scores exceeding 600 runs, Rana’s sharp variations and disciplined line and length enabled her to outwit top-order batters consistently.
Record-Breaking Feat in Return Series
Rana’s 15-wicket haul matched Fitzpatrick’s record and saw her surpass Nooshin Al Khadeer’s record for most wickets in a women’s ODI tri-series. She further eclipsed New Zealand’s Rachel Pullar, who had taken 12 wickets in the 2002 edition.The standout performance comes after Rana was overlooked in the 2025 Women’s Premier League auction. She was later drafted into the national side as a replacement for the injured Shreyanka Patil.
“I am extremely happy, glad that I got this opportunity, and coming back in blues after so long, it feels so good to don this jersey again,” Rana said.
Eyes on ODI World Cup Spot
Rana’s stellar showing has now placed her firmly in contention for a place in India’s ODI World Cup squad, which will be held at home later this year.“Winning momentum is always good. Performing in such conditions under pressure gives you extra confidence and experience,” she added. “And personally, after such a long period, to perform for my country and be named Player of the Series has helped me a lot.”
With a renewed sense of purpose and momentum, Sneh Rana's return could prove pivotal in India's campaign for the upcoming World Cup.