How Did Sneh Rana, the ‘Comeback Queen’, Triumphantly Return to ODI Cricket Glory in Sri Lanka?

New Delhi, May 17 (NationPress) It’s a rare occasion when a cricketer truly embodies a nickname bestowed by fans. For Indian all-rounder Sneh Rana, the title of ‘Comeback Queen’ is exceptionally well-deserved. After not playing ODI cricket since December 2023, Sneh made a stunning comeback, securing 15 wickets and earning the Player of the Series award during India's victorious tri-series in Sri Lanka.

Life hasn’t been easy for Sneh, as this talented off-spin bowling all-rounder has faced many ups and downs within the national team. However, her remarkable performances in Sri Lanka reaffirmed her status as a vital asset for India. Prior to the tri-series, Sneh envisioned achieving both a hat-trick and a five-wicket haul—she accomplished the latter with an impressive 5-43 against South Africa during the league matches.

“It felt fantastic to don the ODI jersey again after such a long time. I believed it would be a great experience, and it turned out just as I hoped. I had also envisioned earning a fifer and a hat-trick, and while I achieved one of them, representing my team and my country with outstanding performances is incredibly fulfilling,” Sneh shared with IANS in an exclusive interview.

The ‘Comeback Queen’ label perfectly encapsulates Sneh's exceptional displays throughout the tri-series, a title she proudly embraces. “The adoration from fans who have given me this tag is truly humbling. I feel privileged to know that so many people support me and closely follow my journey,” she expressed.

“When fans began calling me the 'Comeback Queen', I thought it would be fitting to use this hashtag in my social media updates. It began there, and it’s heartwarming when people recognize and commend my performances,” she added.

In early 2025, it was understandable if Sneh contemplated her future in cricket. After being released by Gujarat Giants, she went unsold at the 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL) mini-auction.

However, destiny had other plans as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) signed her to fill in for an injured Shreyanka Patil. Despite being off-camera, the excitement in Sneh’s voice was unmistakable as she recalled the moment RCB’s management and captain Smriti Mandhana reached out to her.

“After the domestic season concluded, I was back home in Dehradun when I received a call from RCB's management and Smriti, inquiring if I could join them since their replacement player requirement was not yet finalized. I eagerly accepted the opportunity to practice with the team,” she said.

On her RCB debut in the WPL, Sneh's outstanding performance of 3-27 against UP Warriorz solidified her reputation as the ‘Comeback Queen’. Despite RCB not reaching the playoffs, Sneh concluded her tournament on a high note, smashing 26 runs against UPW before claiming 3-26 and receiving the Player of the Match award against the eventual champions, Mumbai Indians.

With Shreyanka still recovering from her injury, Sneh found herself back in India's squad for the ODI tri-series in Sri Lanka—a nation she had never visited before. Engaging with the team management and bowling coach Aavishkar Salvi helped Sneh identify effective deliveries for the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.

“We experimented with variations, utilized the crease effectively, and employed yorkers, as the pitch sometimes favored the batters. Making 600 runs in a day is challenging for batters from both teams, necessitating diverse bowling strategies. Fuller deliveries proved effective on those pitches,” Sneh explained.

Statistics from Cricket-21 revealed that Sneh captured 10 out of her 15 wickets primarily in the good length area, with eight deliveries angled outside the off-stump. Another critical factor in Sneh's success was her pace off deliveries and subtle adjustments in crease usage, illustrated by her caught-and-bowled dismissals.

“Adjusting the crease creates an angle that alters how a batter perceives the ball. It becomes challenging for batters to adapt. When batters prepare to strike, positioning the ball from behind the crease shortens the length and varies based on the batter,” she said.

“This method can unsettle batters, leaving them contemplating the next delivery. Therefore, it was crucial to utilize variations throughout the six balls. The team management provided valuable insights, and we reviewed videos prior to matches to gauge effective strategies for specific pitches,” she added.

Salvi's extensive experience further assisted Sneh in outsmarting both Sri Lankan and South African batters. “We continuously communicated with him regarding the pitches we were set to play on and how the conditions might change each day. Discussions about pitch characteristics—whether it was low or bouncy—were invaluable,” she elaborated.

“Such dialogues were instrumental, as he guided us on adjusting lines and lengths, or determining which variations would be advantageous on any given day. We also consulted our batters about which deliveries posed challenges for them during their innings, which provided insight into effective bowling strategies for particular matches,” she continued.

“Experience is crucial. Coaches meticulously analyze everything and can read pitches adeptly. An outsider may accurately assess how we perform and what strategies to adopt. These discussions with him—focusing on what will work and what won’t—have been tremendously beneficial for me,” she concluded.

It’s this analytical approach and open-mindedness that has kept Sneh a step ahead, establishing her as a reliable player for India in their tri-series success. Her time in Sri Lanka also allowed Sneh to reunite with fellow off-spin all-rounder Deepti Sharma.

“I have played alongside Deepti for a long time—her debut coincided with mine. We have consistently bowled in tandem, and it’s a pleasure to work together. We complement each other’s strengths, allowing us to strategize effectively against specific batters. After each over, we discuss what’s working and what’s not, which proves invaluable,” Sneh noted.

With the England tour commencing on June 28 and the ODI World Cup approaching, Sneh, who has also been recalled to the T20I team after 2023, is focusing on her training. She is balancing aggressive hitting with patience in her batting practice, remaining unruffled about securing a place in the team for the significant event.

“The pitches in England may be slightly bouncy, and the weather conditions will vary. Once we arrive, we'll assess the weather and pitch characteristics to determine our bowling strategies for the day. In England, we will prioritize our stock balls and analyze how we can effectively use variations,” she explained.

“Currently, the World Cup is still a distance away, so there’s no need to feel pressured. The England series provides an excellent opportunity for preparation, and we will concentrate on our strengths within a positive team environment. With the World Cup taking place in India, we have an advantage in terms of understanding local pitches,” she added.

“Nonetheless, we’re not fixating on whether the tournament is in India or if it will significantly favor us—we’re focused on preparation and the roles assigned to us. The England tour will undoubtedly benefit us in various aspects—boosting our confidence, morale, and motivation,” she concluded.

Interestingly, England is where Sneh’s 'Comeback Queen' title originated. During her Test debut in 2021, after a five-year hiatus due to a knee injury and inconsistent form, Sneh took three wickets before scoring an unbeaten 80 in a remarkable recovery effort, helping India secure a draw in Bristol.

As another England tour looms, Sneh aims to further solidify her ‘Comeback Queen’ status after her stellar performances in Sri Lanka. “I hope to maintain this momentum for a long time. I will strive to meet the expectations of the team and everyone watching the games to the best of my abilities. I aim to create even more memorable moments in England and build on the successes I achieved there previously,” she expressed.