India's disappointing performance in the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 saw them getting eliminated from the tournamentas they failed to even advance from the group stage. This only extended Women in Blue's title-less drought, who have been searching for their first-ever ICC trophy in senior cricket.
India's yet another title-less run in Women's T20 World Cup
Despite reaching the semi-finals in the past three editions, including the final in 2020, India faced high expectations in this tournament. However, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side failed to meet these expectations. India's campaign suffered a major blow after a 59-run loss to New Zealand in their opening match. While they managed to defeat Pakistan and Sri Lanka, a narrow defeat to Australia ultimately eliminated them from the competition.
India's continued search for a major global title has led to speculation about Harmanpreet Kaur's future as captain. Harmanpreet has been leading the T20I team since 2018 and was appointed as all-format captain in 2022.
Mithali Raj wants Jemimah Rodrigues to replace Harmanpreet Kaur as India captain
In case, Harmanpreet is removed from the captaincy, Smriti Mandhana, the team's vice-captain, is a likely successor. However, former India captain Mithali Raj has suggested Jemimah Rodrigues as a potential candidate for the role. Raj believes that if India intends to change captains, the decision should be made now with the 2025 Women's World Cup at home approaching.
"If the selectors decide to change, I would go for a young captain. This is the time [to change]; if you delay more then we have another World Cup on the horizon. If you are not doing it now, then don't do it later. Then it is too close to the World Cup. Smriti is there but I think someone like Jemimah, she's 24, she's young, she will serve you more. And is someone who I feel on the field gets that energy. She speaks to everybody. I was very impressed by her in this tournament," Mithali told PTI.
Jemimah wasn't upto the mark in the Women's T20 World Cup as far her batting performance is concerned. However, Mithali Raj was impressed by her efforts to build momentum.
"Despite playing those cameo roles, she never could convert her starts, but someone who really made an effort to build a momentum if there was no momentum; and if there was momentum, she tried to carry that momentum," Mithali further added.
