With the 10th edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup underway, India are entering the tournament after nearly three weeks of preparation in England. Ahead of India’s campaign opener against Pakistan at Edgbaston on June 14, head coach Amol Muzumdar addressed the media following the team’s training session at King Edward’s School Ground in Birmingham.
World Cup preparations began seven months ago
Muzumdar revealed that India’s preparations for the tournament started immediately after their previous World Cup triumph in November.
“The preparation for this T20 World Cup started immediately after the last one that we won,” he said. “The first series after that was against Sri Lanka and as a group we decided that all our energies would be focused on this event.”
According to Muzumdar, the team has followed a structured six-to-seven-month roadmap leading into the tournament and has executed their plans as intended.
Acclimatised to English conditions
India arrived in England on May 23 and have since played a bilateral series and two warm-up matches. Muzumdar believes the side has adjusted well to the varying English conditions.
“We’ve had almost three weeks here now and we’ve got used to it,” he said. “In England, no two days are the same. There will always be different challenges, but the team is in a very good space.”
Yastika Bhatia’s comeback story
The India coach also spoke about Yastika Bhatia, who missed the previous World Cup after suffering an injury at the end of a preparatory camp.
“It was really unfortunate that she missed out at the very last minute,” Muzumdar said. “The way she has fought her way back into the team tells you a lot about how this group responds to challenges.”
Running between the wickets remains a focus area
Asked about India’s improved intent while running between the wickets during the recent series, Muzumdar acknowledged it remains a work in progress.
“We’ve been talking about it for the last two-and-a-half years,” he said. “Every time we discuss areas of improvement, this point comes up. But the intent is visible and we are moving in the right direction.”
Selection balance: Four seamers, four spinners
While spin has traditionally been India’s strength, Muzumdar highlighted the depth available in both departments.
“We’ve got eight quality bowlers – four quality seamers and four quality spinners,” he said. “The variety in this squad is really good and we’ll have detailed discussions about the best combination.”
Backing Richa Ghosh and Harmanpreet’s experience
Muzumdar also backed wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh after a brief lean patch.
“She’s a world-class player,” he said. “Someone as talented as Richa only needs a couple of hits out of the ground to get going.”
The coach was equally effusive about captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who is set to feature in yet another World Cup campaign.
“You cannot buy experience,” Muzumdar said. “She has spent 17 years in international cricket and we are lucky to have someone with that level of experience leading this group.”
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