New Delhi, July 29 (IANS) With India ending the 2024 Women’s Asia Cup with a runners-up finish, former captain and batting mainstay Mithali Raj has called on the side to focus on improvements around the No.3 batting position, an area where it has been found wanting. With Jemimah Rodrigues excelling as a No.5 batter, it means she and Richa Ghosh will handle finishing duties. But it also means that India don’t have a solid batter at the No.3 position following in after Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma.
They did try a strong spin-hitter in Dayalan Hemalatha at number three in T20Is against South Africa and at the Asia Cup, but it didn’t yield great results. Attempts to try Sajeevan Sajana and Uma Chetry also did not work, which means India have a gaping hole at No.3 to solve ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh in October.
“Come October, India is going to participate in the biggest tournament, the T20 Women’s World Cup. The areas I think India should really focus on improving are the number 3 batter position.”
“They are still searching for the right batter to go at No.3. They have tried Hemlata and they have tried Chetry. But ideally, they should have someone who can really go big after the sort of opening partnership that Shafali and Smriti would provide,” said Mithali to broadcasters Star Sports at the conclusion of the tournament won by hosts Sri Lanka.
She also pointed out that India need extra bowling options at their disposal, especially after the five main bowling options failed to show any penetration in the Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka.
“Also, the bowling aspect needs attention because right now they are going with only five bowlers. They probably require a 6th one, someone like an all-rounder who can bowl a few overs as well as bat. I think these are the areas India should look to tweak before getting into the World Cup,” added Mithali.
India are yet to win global silverware in senior women’s international cricket and Mithali feels the side has a chance to win the T20 World Cup in October due to conditions suiting them.
“My message to the Indian team would be to play good cricket, play hard cricket, and compete. I believe you all have a great chance because it’s in Bangladesh, a location with conditions that suit us. Our strengths have always been the spinners, and this time around our batting is also doing really well. So, good luck to you all.”
–IANS
nr/bsk/
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by TodayIndia.news and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of TodayIndia.news We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, TodayIndia.news takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.
Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.
If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.
