Former captain Diana Edulji stated on Friday that the Indian women’s team, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, must remain composed in high-stress situations if they are to break their long-standing ICC trophy drought in the T20 World Cup next month.
India lost to six-time winner Australia in the final of the 2020 women’s T20 World Cup, but they still had a chance. Australia’s 85-run victory in Melbourne was largely due to Alyssa Healy’s outstanding 75 off 39 balls.
“Australia has a highly polished side. They play with a strong spirit. As a team, we must understand that we must play to win and that they must play to their strengths,” Edulji said PTI videos while attending the ICC T20 World Cup Trophy Tour tournament held at the storied Wankhede stadium.
“All teams are powerful, yes. It is really easy for some batsmen or the others to come in and just turn the game on since anybody can win a T20 on any given day.
“As seen in the Asia Cup, no one anticipated the left-handed batter to hit sixes and score the game-winning shots. It simply depends on how you manage yourself during that period. The players should maintain their composure; don’t freak out,” she urged.
Despite fifty-scores from left-handers Chamari Athapathuthu and Harshitha Samarawickrama, India lost the women’s Asia Cup final to Sri Lanka by eight wickets.
“The Indian squad does well. Simply put, I believe they are unable to concentrate on how to win the game. Shut the doors and don’t give anyone the opportunity to try to rob us of the game.”
“Harmanpreet needs to control her emotions”
Harmanpreet will be essential if India is to win their first ICC title, according to Edulji, who also counseled the captain to remain composed under pressure.
She is a skilled player who is capable of winning the match by herself. She has consistently demonstrated this.
But on the field, she’ll need to exercise strong leadership and restrain her emotions a little. She is capable of making the appropriate adjustments, such as proper field positioning and bowling adjustments. Naturally, she cannot bat,” Edulji remarked.
“Batters need to do their part in the game. However, the field captain’s role during fielding is crucial.
The 35-year-old Harmanpreet has a history of losing her temper; in fact, the ICC banned her for two months when she lost it during last year’s final ODI against Bangladesh in Dhaka.
In addition, Edulji expressed her wish that Indian women would join their male counterparts at the T20 World Cup and break their lengthy trophy drought.
“Hopefully. We’re all hoping that the women will also bring home the trophy, and we’re all excitedly praying for this.”
The men’s team from India had defeated South Africa earlier in June to win the T20 World Cup.
“What an incredible occasion it would be to win both the women’s and men’s T20 World Cups after winning the men’s T20 World Cup. It would be an incredible accomplishment, and I have no doubt that the BCCI would be thrilled to display both trophies here in their showcase.”
October will see the women’s T20 World Cup held in the United Arab Emirates.
