India women must play for pride, boost morale ahead of T20Is

India’s women cricketers congratulate their South African counterparts after the fourth ODI in Lucknow recently. Pic/BCCI

The five-match ODI series against a resurgent South Africa has raised more questions than provided answers for the Indian women's team's build-up to the next year's ICC World Cup. India's bowlers have been found wanting to the extent that that they have not been able to defend totals in excess of 250 twice in a row.

Already 1-3 down, the hosts need to make a strong comeback in the last match to salvage some pride and also boost their morale ahead of the three-match T20I series.
The pitches at the Atal Behar Stadium have been so placid that teams defending totals have lost all four matches. The storyline of all the games has been: win the toss, bowl first and chase down whatever the target.

While South Africa have been lucky with the toss thrice, their players have also performed exceptionally well, with their batters and bowlers showing remarkable improvement from the last time they were in India when they were swept away 0-3 in the ODI series in Vadodara.

The Indian women's team, having played no international cricket during the last 12 months, are finding it difficult to get into top gear. The team rely mainly on their spinners, and with the pitches not providing much help, the bowling has looked toothless. The pace department is spearheaded by veteran Jhulan Goswami but there is no support for her.

The Indian think-tank thus have their task cut out going forward. They need to induct young, aggressive batters like Shafali Verma in the ODIs and also groom new-ball bowlers, who can swing the ball at good speed. Only then can India become strong contenders at the ICC World Cup to be played on seam-friendly wickets in New Zealand in a year's time.

Indian captain Mithali Raj has expressed concern about the bowling department, saying that the lack of proper preparation and game time has not helped matters.
In present circumstances, with the pandemic still active worldwide, it is difficult to say how many opportunities India will get to prepare before embarking on what will be Mithali's last ICC tournament in March next year. India must make the most of whatever chances they get, with a focus on inducting younger personnel into the squad.

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