'I Don't See Anyone' : Anjum Chopra On Harmanpreet Kaur's Replacement Amid Captaincy Flak - Exclusive

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After India's horrendous outing in the Women's T20 World Cup 2024, which saw the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side getting knocked out from the group stages, many raised questions regarding the captain's credibility and there were reports swarming that the side might get a new skipper.

But as of now, Harmanpreet is still the captain and played a decent knock of 34(23) in the 1st ODI in the ongoing 50-over series against West Indies, in which India won by 211 runs.

myKhel caught up with former women's cricket team skipper, Anjum Chopra and addressed the issue amid all the flak.

She pointed out that much of the backlash comes from external voices without decision-making authority, emphasizing that these opinions often lack a deep understanding of the team dynamics. According to Anjum, such critiques are more about personal biases than constructive feedback.

''See, things are going out and going around. This is a kind of creative pitch by the people who just took things out there who probably are not the best, you know, they're not the decision makers. They're just voicing their opinion because people don't want everyone on the team. So whoever they know, they just go after it'', she said.

Chopra defended Harmanpreet, asserting that she is a selfless player who would willingly step down if it guaranteed India's success. However, she argued that merely changing the captain would not address the underlying challenges. The team's struggles, Chopra noted, stem from a need for players to step up and deliver strong performances consistently, rather than a lack of leadership.

''I have always said the fact that if removing Harmanpreet, you can win a World Cup, Harmanpreet will be the first one to say fine- 'I will remove myself from captaincy.' She's that kind of a player. But we all know that changing the captaincy is not gonna solve the problem. We need players to stand up and start performing and that is what is required'', Chopra added.

Highlighting Harmanpreet's contributions, she also reminded critics that the captain was India's highest scorer in the recent T20 World Cup and delivered an impressive performance against the West Indies. She stressed that Harmanpreet's experience and form make her irreplaceable at this point in time.

''I don't get into this discussion at all to remove her. When she's just been the highest scorer in the T20 World Cup, had a good outing against West Indies in the 1st ODI, I don't think she's a player who at this point of time can be replaced. And the day there is a replacement, the day anybody stands up and says, 'I can contribute more than what Harmanpreet Kaur has been contributing to an Indian team'- then obviously, she will know herself. Till now, I don't see anyone'', the cricketer turned commentator concluded.

In the 2nd ODI, Harmanpreet scored 22(18) contributing India's mammoth total of 358. In reply, the Windies were bundled out of 243 runs as the hosts clinched the series with a game to go.