Consistency in Fielding Key for India Ahead of Women’s Asia Cup. As India gears up for the Women’s Asia Cup commencing on July 19, the spotlight falls on their quest for consistency in fielding, a crucial aspect emphasized by both players and experts alike. Anjum Chopra, former India captain, recently highlighted the role of fielding in shaping a team’s success. She pointed out that while India has shown flashes of brilliance, such as bouncing back after a decent start in the recent T20I series against South Africa, there remains a pressing need for greater consistency.
“In international cricket, consistency is non-negotiable,” Chopra remarked in an exclusive conversation. “You can’t afford to have off-days in fielding regularly. Dropping catches or missing run-out chances can significantly alter the course of a match.”
India’s performance in the T20I series against South Africa showed this point vividly. After a disappointing display in the first game with multiple dropped catches, they rebounded strongly in the following matches, showcasing a much-improved fielding effort. This inconsistency, Chopra insists, cannot persist if India aims to clinch titles in global competitions like the Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled for October.
Anjum Chopra also emphasized the need for multiple players to step up consistently, not just in batting or bowling but also in fielding. “It’s about an all-round game,” she stressed. “Fielding well, bowling tightly, and batting responsibly are all interconnected.”
The emergence of stars like Smriti Mandhana, who has been in shining across formats, adds to India’s strengths. Mandhana’s recent performances have been instrumental in India’s victories.
However, Anjum Chopra expressed concern over the composition of the reserves for the Asia Cup, particularly the lack of fast-bowling options. “The absence of quick bowlers in the reserves is a notable gap,” she noted. “While spinners are crucial, having variety in bowling options is essential, especially in conditions where seam bowling could make a difference.”
Looking ahead, as India prepares to face tough competition in the Asia Cup, Chopra’s insights stress on the team’s need for holistic improvement. Consistency in fielding, bowling options, and maintaining batting ability will be key factors in India’s campaign.
