USA Cricket Announces Leadership Transition for Women’s Team

USA Cricket has revealed a change in leadership for the women’s national team, with Aditiba Chudasama stepping into the captaincy role, replacing Sindhu Sriharsha. Chudasama will lead the team on their upcoming tour to Zimbabwe for a five-match ODI series, taking place from October 17-28, 2024.

The decision to transition the captaincy was made by the Women’s National Selection Panel, in consultation with Head Coach Hilton Moreeng, as part of a long-term strategy for the team’s success. This move provides Chudasama with the chance to adapt to her new role before leading the squad in the ICC T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier in early 2025.

Chudasama’s appointment is also seen as a way to help her grow as a leader ahead of future major tournaments, including the 2026 and 2028 T20 World Cup qualifying cycles, and a potential inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympics. With USA Cricket’s introduction of National Training Groups for women and under-19 players, other team members will also have opportunities to develop their leadership skills through a rotation policy.

Sriharsha has served as captain since 2017, guiding the team to victory in three ICC T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier series. She also led the team through numerous international fixtures, showing resilience and strength. Her individual standout performance came in the 2022 ICC T20 Women’s World Cup Qualifier, where she scored an unbeaten 74 against Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi’s intense heat.

Beyond the team’s successes, Sriharsha has been a guiding figure, especially during the transition to a younger squad in 2021. Her leadership, combined with her ability to balance family life and the rigours of international cricket, has been a source of inspiration for many.

Chair of the Women’s National Selection Panel, Amer Afzaluddin, expressed deep appreciation for Sriharsha’s leadership over the past seven years. He praised her unwavering dedication and work ethic, emphasising that her role as the most capped player has left a lasting impact. Although she steps down as captain, USA Cricket looks forward to her continued contributions as a senior player.

The elevation of New Jersey-native Chudasama to the captaincy reflects USA Cricket’s commitment to developing the women’s game and nurturing future talent. Afzaluddin also highlighted Chudasama’s impressive all-round skills, consistent performances, and strong leadership qualities, saying that the team is excited for this new chapter under her leadership.

In closing, USA Cricket extended gratitude to Sindhu Sriharsha’s family for their support throughout her tenure and commended her unwavering dedication and sacrifices as captain and player of the national team.