Indian women cricketers not very athletic: Fielding coach Abhay Sharma
India's women cricketers are not as athletic and strong as their foreign counterparts when it comes to running around the park and that is something fielding coach Abhay Sharma will work on extensively with them during the upcoming UK tour. Sharma was with the national women's team for the first time during the home series against South Africa in March.
Looking forward to working with the players: Sharma
Since the series was organized last minute, Sharma did not get a lot of time with the players but he is looking forward to working with them on an individual basis during the UK tour, starting June 16. The Indian team is scheduled to play a Test, three ODIs, and as many T20s against the hosts.
Most players are struggling with their throwing techniques: Sharma
"Overall development is needed as far as fielding is concerned. The game is changing, you have to be more athletic. Technically, work needs to be done. What I observed is that a lot of girls are struggling with their throwing techniques," Sharma said.
It is important to improve technique: Sharma
"If you develop wrong technique in your early days then it troubles you with injuries. Once the technical side is taken care of, then you can build on the strength part," Sharma told PTI before entering the bio-bubble in Mumbai ahead of the UK tour. In the home series against South Africa, Sharma observed that opposition players were much faster in the field.
Huge difference between foreign teams and our girls: Sharma
It was India's first series in 12 months and the players looked underprepared. South Africa ended up winning both T20s and ODIs. "We have to accept that there is a huge difference between foreign teams and our girls. The South African girls were more athletic, they cover the ground quicker and they are a little stronger also," said Sharma.
'Improvement needed in catching and running between wickets'
"What I see that we are standing on technique, we are not standing on strength. We need to be strong on both fronts," he said. "Improvement is needed in catching and running between the wickets," he said. "The last series what I saw was there was a lapse in judgment in some cases, maybe because they were playing after a long time," he added.
Shafali's fitness and game are improving: Sharma
Young opener Shafali Verma is seen as the next big thing in women's cricket but questions have been raised over her fitness. Sharma said she is improving rapidly. "During the last series, we worked a lot on her fielding. As far as weight loss is concerned she has worked hard but just weight loss doesn't make you a better fielder or player," he said.
Sharma congratulated the BCCI on organizing Test matches for women
"We are working on her fielding, things like cutting down the angles and judging the ball early. You will see a big improvement very soon," he said. Sharma concluded by congratulating the BCCI on organizing Test matches for women.
