Who’s Tanuja Kanwer? All You Need To Know About Indian Spinner Who’s Making Her Debut Against UAE

Tanuja Kanwer is a 26-year-old Indian cricketer from Himachal Pradesh who is making her international debut for India on Sunday (July 21) during the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 match against the United Arab Emirates in Dambulla. The slow left-arm orthodox spinner was initially part of the travelling reserves, but after Shreyanka Patil was ruled out of the ongoing eight-team tournament in Sri Lanka on Saturday due to a finger injury, Tanuja was added to the main squad, and on Sunday she is getting a chance to play in Patil’s place.

The youngster, who finished as the leading wicket-taker for the Gujarat Giants in the WPL 2024 with 10 wickets to her name in eight matches, received her debut cap from star pacer Renuka Thakur Singh.

The Himachal Pradesh-based cricketer, who is known for her consistency and ability to thrive under pressure, will have big shoes to fill in her debut match itself. She was preferred ahead of Saika Ishaque as Shreyanka’s replacement.

Tanuja’s journey in the WPL

Tanuja, who plays for Railways in domestic cricket, was signed for Rs 50 lakh in the WPL 2023 auction by the Gujarat Giants. A week before the auction, she shined with the ball for Railways in the One Day Trophy final. Tanuja finished the match with figures of 3 for 26 and the tournament with 18 wickets to her name, and it played a big role in her big price.

Kanwar, who is known for a variation where she bowls her left-arm spin from well behind the popping crease, picked up 10 wickets in WPL 2024. In addition to that, she also scored 28 runs for the Beth Mooney-led side as the No. 9 batter during the match against the Mumbai Indians in Bengaluru on February 25.

According to ESPNCricnfo, Kanwar idolised former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh in her childhood, and her dream was to eventually play for India, which is getting fulfilled on Sunday (July 21).

India to bat first

India will bat first in their second Women’s Asia Cup T20 2024 match against the UAE on Sunday. UAE skipper Esha Rohit Oza won the toss and opted to field first. Kanwer in place of Patil is the only change India has made to its playing XI for the match.