Harmanpreet Kaur says 'ambitious' Ramesh Powar can push Indian women's team to greater heights

New Delhi, June 1: Back as the head coach of the India women's cricket team, Ramesh Powar will have his first assignment this month as the side takes on England in a multiformat series in the UK. Test deputy and T20I skipper Harmanpreet Kaur said Powar is very ambitious and will help in giving the side the required push to achieve more success on the international stage.

Harmanpreet also touched upon her hopes from Powar as head coach, how ODI skipper Mithali Raj has inspired her and threw light on how the series against England and Australia will hold the side in good stead ahead of 50-over World Cup next year.

"Ramesh sir gets involved in the team at all times and makes an effort to know the players' strengths, weaknesses, fears, etc, and tries to work on them. He is very ambitious and that helps the team get the required push from the very experienced person," Harmanpreet told ANI.

Powar took over the reins from WV Raman as the head coach of the side in May this year. The former India spinner is not a new face in women's cricket as he had earlier coached the women's side in 2018. Under Powar, India had managed to reach the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup in 2018.

When asked about what she has learnt from the experienced Mithali, Harmanpreet said: "Mithali di is the most experienced in our team and from her, I have learnt to be patient on the field. She tried to stay calm at most times and that reflects on her personal performance."

India women's team will take on England in a one-off Test, three ODIs, and three T20Is. The two teams will first square off in a four-day Test match, beginning June 16. After the series against the Three Lions, India will also square off against Australia in September-October in a multi-format series, including one day-night Test.

"Playing against the top-ranked teams before the big challenges has always helped our team to build a positive approach. Taking on England in a multi-format tournament will be extremely helpful and each one of us in the team will have enough time to perform get better by the time we step in for the World Cup," said Harmanpreet.