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[Saba Sports News] Varsha Umapathi is set to captain the Indian Women’s Blind Cricket team against Nepal in a five-match T20 series, starting with the opening game on December 11 at Police Gymkhana. The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) unveiled an 18-player squad on November 28, with Phula Saren appointed as the vice-captain. Having previously led India to victory at the International Blind Sports Federation World Games 2023 in Birmingham, Umapathi is poised to achieve further success with her team.
In a historic first for India, this Women’s International Bilateral series, as described by CABI President Buse Gowda, is expected to garner substantial support for women’s blind cricket, with the matches being held in the “City of Dreams.” Anila Rajneesh, the Chief Human Resources Officer of Fedfina, also emphasized the series’ role in motivating people to overcome challenges and chase their ambitions.
Expressing her honor in continuing as the Indian team’s captain, Umapathi conveyed her confidence in the team’s performance and her aspirations for setting new records and fostering new talent through the series. Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar, CABI’s chairman, extended good wishes to both teams during the launch of the Indian team’s new jersey.
The Indian team, which faced a 1-3 defeat against Nepal in a previous series last April, is preparing for a comeback in the upcoming matches. They are currently engaged in a 22-day cricket coaching camp in CBD Belapur, Maharashtra, which began on November 20, 2023. The Nepal team is expected to arrive in India on December 10.
The Indian Women’s squad features Varsha Umapathi (Captain), Phula Saren (Vice-Captain), and other talented players like Valasanaini Ravanni, Simu Das, and Padmini Tudu.