Former Indian pacer S Sreesanth has voiced strong support for the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian women’s cricket team as they embark on their campaign in the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup. The tournament commenced on October 4, with India set to face New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, a crucial opening match in a highly competitive group.
A tough group but strong belief
The Indian women’s team finds itself in a challenging group that includes defending champions Australia, traditional rivals Pakistan, reigning Women’s Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka, and a formidable New Zealand side known for its unpredictability. Despite the tough competition, Sreesanth is optimistic about India’s chances of clinching their maiden T20 World Cup title.
In an interview with Star Sports, Sreesanth emphasized the quality of the squad and the strength of the support staff, particularly highlighting head coach Amol Muzumdar. “This squad is really brilliant. First of all, I will say the captain to the entire team. The supporting staff is so great, and more than that, Amol bhai (Muzumdar), who is the coach, is a beautiful human being and a great personality. So I have full belief the team will return after winning the World Cup,” he stated.
Confidence and mental strength
Sreesanth noted the palpable confidence within the team, especially after observing the press conference where both the coach and captain Kaur expressed their belief in the team’s potential to succeed. He recalled how they conveyed that if they played to their full potential, they could defeat any opponent. “It’s all about the belief system. I am very confident that this team will win the World Cup,” Sreesanth added.
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Comprehensive talent across the squad
When discussing the team’s strengths, Sreesanth remarked that India has all bases covered, citing the wealth of talent from the opening batters to the middle order, along with all-rounders capable of hitting sixes in the lower order. “I don’t see any disadvantages or minus points in the team,” he asserted. This optimism stems from his belief in the players’ routines and work ethic, which he views as crucial for success in high-pressure situations.
Focusing on their own game
Drawing from his own experiences as part of India’s T20 World Cup-winning squad in 2007 and ODI World Cup-winning team in 2011, Sreesanth advised the women’s team to concentrate on their game rather than being overly concerned about their opponents. “More than focusing on other teams, I would love to focus on our Indian team and not worry about any cricket team. It’s just another batter and another bowler who is coming at you. If the Indian team plays to their full potential, I don’t see any challenge for them,” he stated confidently.
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