Harmanpreet Kaur to bat at No.3 in T20 World Cup
Amol Muzumdar, the head coach of India's women's cricket team, has confirmed that captain Harmanpreet Kaur will take up the crucial number three batting position in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. This decision was made public on Friday, before India's opening match against New Zealand in Dubai. The announcement ends speculation about who would fill this key role for Team India during their campaign.
Muzumdar reveals pre-planned strategy
Muzumdar revealed that the decision to position Kaur at number three was not a last-minute change, but a well-thought-out strategy. He stated, "Absolutely, not just the warm-up games, but we had already decided back in India and in the camps that happened before we set off from Mumbai." This plan was further solidified during India's two warm-up matches against West Indies and South Africa where Kaur played at No.3.
A shift in India's batting strategy
The decision to promote Kaur to number three marks a significant shift in India's batting strategy. Traditionally, Kaur has occupied the No. 4 or 5 spot and often found herself needing to accelerate from the start due to match situations. Muzumdar explained that by promoting her, they aim to give her ample time to settle in and effectively utilize her power game.
Kaur's potential as a game-changer
Kaur's ability to change the game when set has always been her biggest asset, and the management is banking on her to maximize that potential from the pivotal No.3 position. "The reasoning is clear. We want to give her the best chance to get set and take full advantage of her power hitting," Muzumdar explained. This strategy underscores India's confidence in Kaur's capabilities as a game-changer.
Addressing the 6th bowling option
Another concern for the team is the lack of a sixth bowling option. Kaur, who can contribute with some off-spin, has not bowled in a T20I for quite some time. However, Muzumdar expressed confidence in her ability to step up if needed. He stated, "We've paid a lot of attention to the sixth bowling option... Harman hasn't bowled but she bowled in the second T20 warm-ups and is experienced enough to bowl those overs."
Muzumdar credits WPL for strengthening talent pool
Muzumdar also highlighted the depth of talent in India's squad, crediting the Women's Premier League (WPL) for bolstering the talent pool. He stated, "The WPL has given us a strong base to find players." Players like Sajana and all-rounder Shreyanka Patil have used this platform to build their reputations. Muzumdar further emphasized that support from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) has improved their fitness and fielding standards.
