India's women's cricket team, riding high on confidence after their recent ODI World Cup triumph, is strategically using the ongoing five-match T20I series against Sri Lanka as a crucial testing ground. Head coach Amol Muzumdar, speaking in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday, revealed that the team is experimenting with new combinations and strategies with a clear focus on the ICC Women's T20 World Cup scheduled for next year in the United Kingdom.
Building Towards T20 World Cup Glory
The reigning ODI world champions have already taken a commanding 2-0 lead in the T20I series, securing convincing victories in the first two matches in Visakhapatnam. They won the first T20I by eight wickets and followed it up with a seven-wicket win in the second. With the third match set for Friday, the team is poised to clinch the series early.
Muzumdar emphasized the importance of this phase. "We tried to be as settled as possible during the ODI World Cup as well. Six months down the line there is a T20 World Cup and we are very well aware of certain things, what we need to do and in what direction we want to take this T20 side," the coach stated. "Trying out a lot of stuff, making sure that we are well and truly settled before the World Cup."
A Progressive Unit Focused on All-Round Improvement
Muzumdar described the current Indian side as a progressive unit that is constantly striving for enhancement in every department. The focus extends beyond the traditional three facets of the game.
"We consistently talk about improving in all the three facets of the game. In fact, there is a fourth one now, which is fitness," he explained. "Nothing in particular about one facet of the game. We are a progressive side, constantly we are trying to improve day by day."
The coach also noted the positive atmosphere within the squad, which continues to bask in the glory of their historic World Cup win. He observed that the players appear happier and more confident on the field, a mindset he believes is beneficial for the team's growth.
Respect for the Opponent and Tactical Decisions
Despite their dominant position, Muzumdar issued a clear warning against complacency. He stressed the importance of respecting the Sri Lankan team, acknowledging their quality and treating every match as a fresh challenge.
"Sri Lanka is a very good side, there is no doubt about it. Every opponent we look at it as a challenge. We have got some fantastic players but every opponent we do treat them with equal respect," he affirmed.
Regarding team selection for the crucial third T20I, Muzumdar indicated that the final playing XI would be decided only on Friday morning after assessing the pitch and ground conditions at the venue in Thiruvananthapuram. The team planned to spend considerable time on the ground to make an informed decision on whether to bat or bowl first.
As India aims to seal the series, the broader narrative remains firmly fixed on long-term success. The experiments and strategies deployed in this series are calculated steps towards building a formidable unit capable of conquering the world stage once again at the T20 World Cup in the UK.
