Despite a nearly 12-month absence from competitive cricket due to a stress-related lower-back injury, young leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha has made a remarkable comeback and secured a spot in Australia’s extended 18-player ODI squad for the upcoming crucial tours before the ODI World Cup in October.
The 21-year-old rising star from NSW and Sydney Thunder has impressed selectors with his exceptional form and has been included in the squad for the five-match ODI tour of South Africa and the three-match tour of India.
With the ODI squad set to be trimmed down to 15 players for the World Cup, Sangha’s inclusion has sparked discussions about Australia’s spin options. Alongside first-choice spinner Adam Zampa, Sangha will be competing with Ashton Agar for a spot in the final squad. Depending on the pitch conditions, Australia may opt for a spin trio, similar to their strategy in the 2019 World Cup.
Known for his exciting spin capabilities, Sangha’s selection signifies a potential international debut after being previously picked in the Australia squad for a T20 tour of New Zealand in early 2021. His outstanding performances in the Big Bash League, coupled with impressive outings for the Thunder and Australia A squad, have earned him high praise from the selection panel.
George Bailey, the selection chair, emphasized Sangha’s maturity on the field and his strategic approach to the game. Despite the setback caused by his injury last year, the selectors believe that Sangha’s skillset and attitude make him a valuable asset to the team.
Sangha’s journey to recovery has been nothing short of inspiring, and his dedication to the sport has not gone unnoticed. After playing practice matches for NSW in the Marsh One-Day Cup, he sensed something was amiss and underwent a scan that revealed a more serious issue. Despite the setback, Sangha’s passion and determination have led him back to the top flight of cricket, ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead.
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the ODI series in South Africa and India, all eyes will be on Tanveer Sangha, who is set to make a significant impact on the international stage and potentially fulfill his dream of representing his country in the prestigious ODI World Cup.