'Need to stay in the present in unforgiving T20 format'
Chandigarh, June 12 -- As India prepares for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in England, expectations are understandably high. Fresh from their historic ODI World Cup triumph, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side enters the tournament with confidence, experience and growing depth. Former India captain Mithali Raj believes the team has all the ingredients required to challenge for another ICC title but stresses that success in T20 cricket will depend on adaptability, composure and execution in crucial moments. Excerpts:
Winning the ODI World Cup will certainly boost confidence because the players now know what it takes to win a major ICC event. That success reinforces belief and helps teams handle pressure situations better. However, every World Cup is different. T20 cricket is far less forgiving and matches can change in a matter of overs. India have experienced players and match-winners, but key will be staying in the present, adapting quickly and making the right decisions under pressure.
India have already spent time in England through the T20I series and warm-up matches, which is a big advantage. Traditionally, England offers more pace and movement, but the recent pitches have appeared slower than expected. Batters need to identify scoring areas quickly, while bowlers must understand the lengths and variations that work best. Flexibility is crucial.
Handling key moments in big matches. India have always had the talent, but World Cups are often decided by how teams respond during crucial passages of play. Temperament and decision-making under pressure have sometimes made the difference.
Shafali can change the momentum of a game within a few overs and put opposition bowlers under pressure. The next step for her is converting starts into bigger scores. She doesn't always have to attack every ball. If she combines patience with aggression, she can be a consistent match-winner.
I don't think there is a huge gap anymore. India have shown they can beat top teams in their own conditions. Areas for improvement include game awareness in crucial moments, running between wickets and continuing to raise fitness standards.
The middle order will have a huge role because boundaries may not come easily. Strike rotation and finding gaps will become very important. Players like Jemimah Rodrigues can keep the scoreboard moving, while Richa Ghosh can be a game-changer.
I believe this team can win the World Cup. There is depth in the squad and several players have shown they can step up in pressure situations. India would have liked to have their pace-bowling all-rounders fit, but the focus now should be on identifying the best XI and backing it. If I had to pick X-factors, I'd say Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh with the bat....
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