India out of Women’s World T20, captain Harmanpreet has no regrets

The decision to drop Mithali Raj from the Indian side that played England in the semi-final of the ICC Women’s World T20 may have raised eyebrows, but captain Harmanpreet Kaur was firm that she has “no regrets” about not including the experienced player. Raj has scored the maximum T20I runs every by an Indian.

Whatever we decided, we decided for the team. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, no regrets.
I’m proud of the way my girls played through the tournament. This is a learning for us because we are a young team.
– Harmanpreet Kaur, India captain

The English team of Natalie Sciver and Amy Ellen Jones showed great technique to beat India in the semi-final match. The spinners removed the openers within the first five overs of the England chase.

India’s women suffered the worst batting collapse in recent times. At 89/3 in the 14th over, the Indian innings started falling apart. From here on, India kept losing wickets and failed to reach even double figures.

Kaur praised current ODI champs England’s approach and said, “Sometimes you have to change your game according to the wicket. England bowled really well, read the wicket really well. It was not an easy total to chase, and our bowlers bowled really well. We stretched the match till the 18th over.”

Kaur also said that the current World T20 showed the need to focus on mental strength. “I think we are a young team and we still need to work on our mental strength. If we can work on how to play under pressure, that will change how we play these games.”

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