Jemimah Rodrigues is one of the best fielders, India Women still lack in fielding: Biju George | Exclusive

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Former India women's fielding coach Biju George is sceptical about the quality of fielding in the team amid the ongoing T20 World Cup, but believes Jemimah Rodrigues is among the best fielders in the world.

George, who served as the fielding coach for the women's side for distinctive years, feels the fielding still needs a lot of improvement in fielding and believes a few players are slowing down in the current Indian women's team.

During an exclusive interview with MyKhel, he depicted the issues which currently persist in the team, especially in the fielding department.

"There are a lot of worrying things as far the fielding is concerned. I will be very happy if they reach the final. The major concern will be the wicket-keeping, because in the Indian women's team, the system prefers a better batter who can keep, rather than the best keeper."

The former coach also believes Taniya Bhatia is the best wicketkeeper in the Indian team and fears catch drops can hurt the Indian team.

"I think Taniya Bhatia is the best keeper in the team, but they always prefer someone like Richa Ghosh or Yashika Bhatia. If a half chance is dropped and Beth Mooney or Alyssa Healy get going, there will be mayhem. Also, I think some of the players in the Indian women's team are slowing down, otherwise, it is a well-rounded fielding side."

Bhatia, incidentally, is not part of the India team for the World Cup. Along with that, George also believes Jemimah Rodrigues is one of the best fielders in the world. The current Delhi Capitals fielding coach says the Indian batter continuously tries to improve herself, which sets her apart.

"Period, Jenimah Rodrigues [the best fielder in India women's team]. She is a total all-round package. She is constantly working on her fielding, and upgrading her skills. Last time we spoke, she was asking how to improve her throwing, which means fielding is always in the back of her mind. Being a fielder, there is no place where you can hide, while taking a 50-50 catch, it's how you put your body on the line that sets you apart from others. And Jemimah is one of the best in the world."

The Indian team has made a disappointing start to the campaign after a defeat at the hands of New Zealand in the first group stage match. Harmanpreet Kaur and her girls will be up against arch-rivals Pakistan in their next match on Sunday (October 6).