"Still searching for the right batter" - Mithali Raj wants India to find the right player for No. 3 spot ahead of 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup
Mithali Raj opined that India's Women's team should focus on finding a suitable batter for the crucial No. 3 position ahead of the upcoming 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup. She pointed out that the side have tried out a few options but haven't found the desired success.
India used batters like Dayalan Hemalatha, S Sajana, and Uma Chetry at No. 3 at the recently concluded Women's Asia Cup. Speaking to Star Sports, here's what the former India skipper said about the position:
"Come October, India is going to participate in the biggest tournament, the T20 Women's World Cup. The area I think India should really focus on improving is the number 3 batter position. They are still searching for the right batter to go at number 3. They have tried Hemlata and they have tried Chetry. But ideally, they should have someone who can really go big after the sort of opening partnership that Shafali and Smriti would provide."
Mithali Raj also emphasized that India need an additional all-rounder in their lineup who can be the sixth bowling option when needed, adding:
"Also, the bowling aspect needs attention because right now they are going with only 5 bowlers. They probably require a 6th bowler, someone like an all-rounder who can bowl a few overs as well as bat. I think these are the areas India should look to tweak before getting into the World Cup."
The Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian side entered the 2024 Women's Asia Cup final as unbeaten. However, their dream run ended with a heartbreaking eight-wicket defeat to Sri Lanka in the summit clash.
"I believe you all have a great chance" - Mithali Raj's message to Indian team for 2024 Women's T20 World Cup
In the aforementioned source, Mithali Raj mentioned that India have a great chance of doing well at the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup. She highlighted that the conditions in Bangladesh are likely to suit the Indian team.
Wishing the Indian team luck for the showpiece event, the 41-year-old remarked:
"My message to the Indian team would be to play good cricket, play hard cricket, and compete. I believe you all have a great chance because it's in Bangladesh, a location with conditions that suit us. Our strengths have always been the spinners, and this time around our batting is also doing really well. So, good luck to you all."
India will open their 2024 Women's T20 World Cup campaign with a clash against New Zealand at Sylhet on October 4.