Former domestic cricketer, an experienced coach, and an expert of the game Amol Muzumdar shared his thoughts over the Indian Women's team's shoddy middle order, after the team qualified for the semi-finals of the ongoing ICC Women's T20 World 2023 for the third time in a row.
The Women in Blue have fared well in the group stages, though their middle-order vulnerabilities were thrown completely open in their clash against England. Also against Ireland in their last group stage game, India failed to bag any wickets apart from the two early jolts. If it had not been opener Smriti Mandhana's brilliant 87, the DLS method perhaps wouldn't have favoured India by five runs to allow them a top two slot on the points table.
"It is a great achievement. If Smriti Mandhana is going through this form, it is important for Harmanpreet Kaur to fire. I feel there is a slight issue in the middle order as I am a little concerned with the way Harmanpreet Kaur is getting out," the 48-year-old said while speaking to Star Sports.
The former right-handed batter firstly congratulated team India and lauded their positive attitude and approach throughout the group stage. He made a special mention for Mandhana, and stated that the 26-year-old opener was the key for India to be able to post daunting totals against opponents.
However, he took the moment to express his concerns about the Indian skipper. Harmanpreet Kaur achieved a unique feat of completing 3000 T20I runs during the clash againt Ireland, but she is yet to express herself with the bat. Let alone score, the 33-year-old has made her mode of dismissal extremely vulnerable, which was mainly what worried Muzumdar.
"She played a wrong shot against the West Indies. She lost her patience against England. I wanted to see how Harmanpreet plays against Sophie Ecclestone and today also she got out in a similar fashion. She got out at the wrong time."
Harmanpreet needs to improve her shot selection, she has the experience: Muzumdar
Now that India have to face the top sides in world cricket, Muzumdar stated that Harmanpreet had to improve on her shot selection and spend time on the pitch. He also believes that she has the experience and talent, and all she needs to do is give herself time.
"I believe Harmanpreet Kaur should take a little time. She needs to improve her shot selection, she has the experience. It doesn't mean that she will perform as experience and performance are two different things. Along with experience, you also get responsibility on your shoulders," he added.
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