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Harmanpreet Kaur has to bring the best out of India in the ICC T20 World Cup

Non-stop cricket, you cannot complain about it. First, it was men's cricket, and now, the women also have ample opportunities. Viewed from the prism of India and trophies, the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in the UAE is a big opportunity for Harmanpreet Kaur and her team to show that they can go the full distance.

Tonight, the Women In Blue launch their campaign against New Zealand, (7:30pm IST) and there will be people watching the ladies compete hard against New Zealand.

Harmanpreet Kaur

For those who felt women's cricket was slow and dull, a lot has changed. India, too, rank higher in the global index, in terms of fitness, speed and being good performers.

There has been a massive integration over the last few ears. For women's cricket to come under the BCCI umbrella has brought in better conditions and more money. The WPL (Women's Premier League) is also a big add-on, now two editions old.

So, in terms of volume of cricket, Harmanpreet, Smrithi Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma and the bowling specialists are getting to play more.

From the time of competing abroad to showcase their skills in the Big Bash League in Australia to competing in England, a lot has changed. The WPL has been a boon but to hope the Indians will land a trophy this time is a real wish.

One team which has been a problem for India and other countries is Australia. Meg Lanning has quit but Allysa Healy is the skipper who instils fear. How India can compete against the Aussies will define their journey.

Certainly, in terms of fitness and skills, the Indian team is sharper now. But how to match the Aussies and fire on the big stage will be important. The women from Down Under win World Cups with minimum fuss, with the three-in-a-row record intimidating.

Conditions in the UAE will be very different. High temperature, humidity and different soil conditions, the pitches will be slower. On paper, it may seem like less conducive for runs to be scored. However, both India and the Aussies can change the pattern.

Tonight, India play New Zealand. It will be an important match to win for Harmanpreet, whose massive experience should help. In terms of presence, she is a fierce competitor. But if you go through the history of Indian women's cricket, there is a lot of ego as well.

Coaches have come and gone, a turnover rate which makes fans wonder what the hell is happening. Coaches like WV Raman and Lalchand Rajput will not speak about it but they have been sacrificed. Hopefully, current coach Amol Muzumdar will bring the best out of the Indian side, a mixture of experience and youth.

Back to the WPL, it has helped the players sharpen their game and compete more fiercely. India is the 'go-to-market' and the WPL figures in terms of money has shot up. If Indian women's cricket needs a further thrust, then it is about time a big ICC trophy is sealed.

Playing in the UAE is no challenge. The Indians have acclimatised and done well in warm-up matches. The real action begins on Friday night and fans will be watching. On a macro view, cricket in the UAE at Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi has seen plenty of men's action.

Hopefully, fans will turn up in numbers to cheer India as there is a large expat population in these three cities. Last but not the least, India also have an expert now to help them out in sports psychology. Everything has been provided so to ask for good results from India is justified.

Story first published: Friday, October 4, 2024, 14:59 [IST]
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