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Former Indian captain Anjum Chopra has shared her insights on India’s cricketing strategies, particularly focusing on the crucial batting position for current skipper Harmanpreet Kaur ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s ideal batting position
Chopra has long been an advocate for Harmanpreet batting at the No. 3 position. She believed that Kaur’s game-controlling abilities are best utilized higher up the order, where she can face more deliveries and dictate the pace of the innings. According to Chopra, placing Kaur at No. 3 would not only maximize her potential but also give India a stronger foundation in critical matches.
“I’ve always felt that Harman should play at No 3. I’ve told her also. But of course, depending upon the scenario, and, every player’s comfort is (also) there. She is one of those players, who can control the game and will have more time, rather than coming in later and then swinging her bat. Why reduce the number of deliveries?,” Anjum was quoted as saying by The Times of India.
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Reflections on the Asia Cup loss
Anjum also reflected on India’s recent performance in the Women’s Asia Cup, where they were defeated by Sri Lanka in the final. She suggested that the loss, while disappointing, could serve as a valuable wake-up call for the team. Chopra pointed out that India had not faced significant challenges leading up to the final, which may have contributed to their loss. She praised Sri Lanka for their resilience, particularly after overcoming challenges in their semifinal against Pakistan, and highlighted the importance of being tested in competitive matches.
“Even if they have won this Asia Cup, it would have been like ‘oh, we are a better team’. But because they didn’t, they got a wake-up call and I am hoping it is a wake-up call. Not in a bad way but in a good way. They were not challenged and whenever they were, it was okay, it wasn’t like digging in deep to come out victorious. When Sri Lanka posed a challenge to them, especially after winning against Pakistan (in the semifinal), they were a team on a high,” the 47-year-old added.
Concerns about India’s bowling lineup
Chopra also expressed concerns about the overall performance of the Indian team, particularly the bowling lineup. She noted that while India has a good bowling attack, it lacks the penetrative quality needed to consistently dominate on the global stage. Comparing the women’s team to the men’s, she acknowledged that building a world-class bowling lineup takes time and resources, which the women’s team is still developing. Chopra stressed that the team often plays with only five bowlers, and when one of them has an off day, it puts the entire team at a disadvantage.
“Look, we have a Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami in men’s team. When we have these bowlers around, we boast of a bowling lineup like no one in this world and this wasn’t achieved overnight. I’m not saying that overnight we will have these kind of quality bowlers in the women’s team as well. We are playing with only five bowlers. Now that one bowler has a bad day, we are challenged. We do have a decent bowling lineup, but not a penetrating one,” Chopra concluded.
