Head coach Amol Muzumdar emphasised the importance of the Indian women's cricket team focusing on their own game rather than worrying about the achievements and threats from the opposition. This message was conveyed in Mumbai on December 27.
After securing impressive victories against England and Australia in consecutive one-off Tests, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian team is now eyeing success in the upcoming limited-overs series against Alyssa Healy's side, starting on December 28. The series comprises three ODIs followed by a T20I series.
Looking ahead to the Women’s T20 World Cup in September-October 2024 in Bangladesh and the subsequent 50-over World Cup in India, Muzumdar highlighted the team's focus on the 'bigger picture,' considering their history of struggling in crucial moments.
“I will now shy away from saying that we have not had a look at the bigger picture. But at the same time, do not lose focus on the current happenings,” Muzumdar told the media ahead of India’s training session at the Wankhede Stadium.
“Yes, they (Australia) are a good team. They have been doing well in the past, but the message is very clear to the team — we would look inwards,” he said.
“We would look to improve on every given opportunity on every single day. If we can do that, I will be happy."
Muzumdar acknowledged Australia's consistency as a team over time but reiterated the importance of the Indian Women's cricket team focusing on their own performance.
“They have been a consistent team for a long period of time and that is why they have won so many World Cups whether it is T20 or ODI,” he said.
“But we need to focus on our strengths and we need to focus inward and think about how we are going to do against one of the best sides in the world,” he added.
Muzumdar said that he and captain Harmanpreet have engaged in numerous discussions, both on and off the field, on strategies to propel the team forward. These conversations have also played a role in fostering a better understanding between them.
“Honesty is one thing I have always stressed on. (We) had honest conversations and that must have broken the ice. You need to ask Harman about it,” Muzumdar said.
“I have been very honest in my cricketing discussions that we have had, the suggestions have been welcomed at the same time,” he said. “We have had a lot of discussions off the field regarding how we have to get it right and sometimes the decisions come correct… one-odd decision must have broken the ice,” said Muzumdar.
The coach said that Harmanpreet has served as the glue that holds this team together.
“She is basically the glue of the team and they all rally around her,” he said.
"They look up to her for inspiration and she has been a very inspirational figure in the dressing room for a number of years now and she carries that aura,” he continued.
With India including four newcomers - Shreyanka Patil, Mannat Kashyap, Titas Sadhu, and Saika Ishaque - for the ODI and T20I series against Australia, Muzumdar mentioned that the selection was made with an eye on the World Cup.
“Credit also goes to the selectors who have picked up the team. We had long, good discussions with the selectors and the BCCI officials that we need to look ahead at the World Cup,” he said.
With 11 matches scheduled against two opponents in 35 days across all formats, Muzumdar said that his side is not complaining.
“The scheduling has been fantastic,” he said.
“The T20Is followed by the Test against England and we were into the red-ball cricket and we have carried that into the Australia series.” “Yes, it is a packed schedule, but all the players are really looking forward for every opportunity they get to be on the ground,” the 49-year-old concluded.
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