Captain Harmanpreet Kaur is optimistic regarding India’s chances in the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. The team is set to kick off their campaign against New Zealand in Dubai on October 4. Kaur’s confidence stems from thorough preparations and a strong squad that aims to make a significant impact in the tournament. With the opening match on the horizon, India is focused on executing their game plan and striving for success in this prestigious competition.
Harmanpreet Kaur Confident in India’s T20 World Cup Potential:
Despite reaching the semi-finals in the last three Women’s T20 World Cups, India has yet to secure the coveted trophy. However, captain Harmanpreet Kaur is resolute in her ambition to change that narrative as they prepare for the 2024 edition in the UAE. With renewed determination and a strong team spirit, she aims to guide her squad to their first championship victory in this prestigious tournament.
She said, “ It was hard as last time we came so close as we lost the semis. But every time you need to think about the positives, work hard on yourself and your fitness. We’ve tried to tick all the boxes before going into the tournament.”
India’s Inconsistent Outcomes in Bilateral T20Is:
Since the conclusion of the 2023 tournament, India has experienced inconsistent outcomes in bilateral T20Is. They achieved notable success against Bangladesh, securing two victories, including a clean sweep with a 5-0 series win earlier this year. However, they faced defeats in series against Australia and England, with a drawn series against South Africa in July marking their final matches before the upcoming tournament.
Head Coach Amol Muzumdar said, “ We’ve had some tough tours and series on the way to this [T20] World Cup. Really happy with the way they’ve performed.”
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India’s most significant disappointment since the last T20 World Cup occurred in the Women’s Asia Cup, where they fell to Sri Lanka in the final, a tournament they had previously dominated. Kaur and Muzumdar discussed the mental challenges faced by the team and their efforts to enhance psychological resilience.
He further said, “ In the Asia Cup finals, we sat as a team and discussed areas of improvement. We had a camp on fitness where we didn’t touch skills, where we employed a [sports] psychologist. This was different from the skills camp. I was very satisfied with the side’s work.”
Harmanpreet Kaur said, “ Personal conversation helps you understand which areas to work on with respect to players. And which department they need to work on. We had a few sessions, when everyone talked to each other, and spoke how they were feeling. And which department they need to work on. We had a few sessions, when everyone talked to each other, and spoke how they were feeling.
She added, “ Working with Mugdha ma’am [sports psychologist Mugdha Bavare], we really felt good and we wanted to execute it on the ground. It’s been helping us.”
Harmanpreet Kaur and Amol Muzumdar Feels Positive About Their Squad:
The captain and coach expressed confidence in India’s formidable top six batsmen, featuring prominent players. Muzumdar referred to this group as the “finest in the country,” although the identity of the No. 3 batsman remains uncertain, keeping their strategy under wraps as they prepare for the tournament.
Head Coach Amol Muzumdar further said, “ The top six are brilliant, the best in the country. Of course, we’ve identified [who plays No.3] but we’ll only reveal that just before the XI is announced. No.3 is really special to us. I know for a fact that a No.3 position sets the game. We’ll reveal it only closer to the game.”
Since the last tournament, Dayalan Hemalatha has occupied the No. 3 position most frequently for India in T20Is, though her performance has been lackluster. While there are other potential candidates, it’s unclear if they will disrupt the established trio of Kaur, Jemimah, and Richa Ghosh in the batting order. Additionally, finalizing the bowling lineup presents another significant challenge.
Skipper concluded, “ We have mostly night games. Dew plays a big role in UAE. We’ve good spinners, but we also have Pooja and Renuka, who can also have an impact. Right now it’s difficult to tell [without assessing conditions]. We’ll see the conditions, and pick the most effective player on a given day.”
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