Rookie pacer Sadhu backed to shine at Asiad

The excitement in India pace legend Jhulan Goswami's voice was apparent as one sought her views on Titas Sadhu, the young Bengal medium-pacer who has made it to the Indian team for the Hangzhou Asian Games.

- Shalini Gupta

India's pace spearhead for two decades until her retirement last year, Goswami recalled watching teenager Sadhu bowl for the first time in an age-group game and being impressed by the pace she generated as well as her attitude.

Goswami immediately recommended to the former Bengal Ranji Trophy player Shib Sankar Paul, the state women's team coach, that Sadhu was one for the future and should straightaway be drafted into the Bengal senior team at 16.

And if things go well, Sadhu is someone who can fill Goswami's large shoes and become India's dependable quick bowler in the future, her accuracy, pace and swing all promising her rise in the senior ranks.

"I get very excited whenever I see a young fast bowler bowling with spirit and passion. That's how I remember young Titas bowling in a match and hitting the deck. I knew that very minute that Bengal should be investing in her abilities and back her so that she can one day play for India," said Goswami, speaking from Kolkata. Having inspired not just young India cricketers to take up fast bowling, but budding cricketers from all over the world, she should know.