India head coach Ramesh Powar was critical of his team’s batting approach in the first 20 overs against New Zealand in the ongoing Women’s World Cup at Seddon Park, Hamilton on Thursday (March 10).
Chasing 261 to win, the Women in Blue scored only 50 runs in the first 20 overs and eventually lost the match by a heavy margin of 62 runs.
"I think it was one of those days where things didn't go our way and honestly I was also surprised with the way we batted for 20 overs. (But) if you look back (at the) last six games, which we have played against New Zealand, we were executing our plans well," Powar told reporters on the eve of the match against the West Indies.
Mithali Raj and company began their World Cup campaign with a thumping 107-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan. However, the defeat against New Zealand has put them in a tough situation.
According to Ramesh Powar, it is time for the senior players to stand up and take more responsibility.
“I want seniors to be putting their hands up, like Mithali (Raj), Smriti (Mandhana), Jhulan (Goswami), and win us the games single-handedly, because their participation and contributions in the win will brush off on the younger players,” he said.
"I think it is the pressure, I think of the World Cup but I don't want to give any excuses. This is the right time to put your hand up and put up the performances, because we have been training for last six months.
"We have been to England, Australia, we have been to New Zealand early, so we have got every practice opportunity which was needed, so it is time as a group to stand up and deliver."
When asked why India played three left-handers at the top against New Zealand, Powar said: “Honestly, Shafali was not in greatest of form when you see the last New Zealand series. We wanted to give her a break, and bring in Yastika who was consistent in the performances. I don’t think three left-handers in a row makes a difference in every match but going forward yes, we are going to look at it tactically.
"It gives an advantage to opponents to set up the plan easily and left-right batter combination allows us to get to a batting rhythm."
He conceded that the decision was a result of the squad's limitations.
“I have been handed over a squad of 15, where I have limitations of three openers. I will use what I have, so that is the first thing. And Yastika opens for her state, and when you come into the World Cup, you use the squad available. Like, I can’t make Meghana play because she is not in the squad. So whatever is available, and what is given to me, I am just trying to make the best out of it. [About possible changes] I can’t tell you about that, you can see for yourself tomorrow.”
(With PTI inputs)
