Ex-India coach urges team to fix powerplay bowling issues at Women’s T20 World Cup
Former India head coach WV Raman believes India possess the batting depth and spin-bowling strength needed to win the Women’s T20 World Cup. However, the former India batter expressed concern over the team’s powerplay bowling and stressed the need to identify bowlers who can consistently deliver with the new ball.
Against Pakistan, India conceded 52 runs in the powerplay, Pakistan’s highest-ever powerplay score against India in Women’s T20Is. Even against the Netherlands, the Indian bowlers appeared under pressure early on. In both matches, however, Shree Charani and Deepti Sharma helped India regain control by applying the brakes on the opposition batters through the middle overs.
“I think this is a very formidable side. The batting is strong. And they have a lot of experience in the spin department. This team has the potential to win the T20 World Cup too,” Raman told PTI in an interview.
“If there are any areas of concern, they will probably be the ability to pick up wickets in the power play or the fast bowling combination – specifically, who will bowl with the new ball and at the end of the innings,” Raman added.
‘HARMANPREET HAS BECOME PATIENT’
Raman also praised skipper Harmanpreet Kaur for becoming more patient and composed, noting that she has evolved from a player who would often lose her cool easily.
“Harman has become a lot more patient over the years. And that’s what experience does to any cricketer. It makes them mature. During my tenure, she was one who could get irritated easily. And she would also wear her heart on her sleeve,” Raman added.
India are currently top of Group A with four points and a net run rate of +3.975. They will next face Laura Wolvaardt’s South Africa on June 21 at Old Trafford in Manchester, followed by Nigar Sultana Joty’s Bangladesh, before concluding their group stage against Sophie Molineux’s Australia.
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