Birthday special: Sneh Rana – India’s rising star
Sneh Rana is one of the promising cricketers of the Indian women’s team who is trying to make the most of her opportunities after getting a second chance at the international level last year. The 27-year-old announced her arrival scoring impactful 80 runs and being involved in a 144-run ninth-wicket stand with Taniya Bhatiya in the one-off Test against England at the Bristol County Ground that helped the Indian eves in securing a hard-fought draw in June 2021. Rana had also registered three scalps in the first innings.
Last month, she was selected to be a part of the Indian squad for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022. As she gears up to make her maiden appearance at the quadrennial event, here’s a look at the Uttarakhand cricketer’s cricketing journey and struggles.
Sneh Rana: One of India’s aspiring talents
She made her India debut during the limited-overs series against Sri Lanka in January 2014 and looked to establish herself in the team for the next two years that followed. Unfortunately, she went on to suffer a knee injury in 2016 that would eventually sideline her from playing at the highest level for the next five years. However, the bowling all-rounder did not give up on her dreams and continued to toil hard with grit and determination.
Slowly Rana rediscovered her rhythm and came back to compete. She impressed one and all with her outstanding performances last year in the domestic 50-over tournament for Railways led by the legendary Mithali Raj. The 27-year-old finished with 18 scalps and also amassed 160 runs at a strike rate of 123.07. She starred in the final with an unbeaten 34 along with figures if 3/33 as Railways went on to win their 12th title in the tournament.
After making a successful comeback to international cricket having overcome all odds, Rana would now be hoping to play a key role in India’s Women’s World Cup campaign as they eye a maiden title having finished second-best in the 2017 edition.
