India ahead of the forthcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s Twenty20 (T20) World Cup, on the 2nd of February plays their last lead-up game against South Africa in the ongoing Tri-Series in the World Cup host nation, South Africa. India’s newly appointed batting coach, Hrishikesh Kanitkar, on the Final’s eve threw light on all 3 fronts of the game; batting, bowling, and fielding.
Deepti Sharma off late has shown miracles on the field with her elite fielding standards and has made it a habit to impact run-outs, with most being stunning direct hits. Speaking on her training, Hrishikesh said, “As long as the players keep training levels very high, it’ll keep working in matches. She (Deepti) practices very close to how she plays in matches, that really helps her.”
Deepti with consistent runs, elite fielding standards, and impactful bowling outings has matured herself into an all-rounder’s best version. India’s most recent outing was that against the West Indies was no different for Deepti as she emerged as India’s star on the show having registered figures of 3/11 off her 4 overs which included a couple of maidens.
Hrishikesh said, “She’s an important player in any format we play. The good thing is that she has a method to get the runs, that makes her consistent. She’s doing well. She just needs to keep it simple, make sure the basics are right.”
After spending a long time away from international cricket, pacer Shikha Pandey got her long due deserving break just ahead of the Tri-Series and has looked much finer with economical spells but is yet to get among the wickets. Commenting on the same, Hrishikesh said, “Honestly it does not bother us much. She (Shikha) is working hard, got the attitude, got the experience, and we are fine with it.”
He further added, “I am happy with the way she’s bowling. Troy (Troy Cooley) is working with her and he’s also happy with the way she’s bowling.”
After a few low scores and middle-order batting opportunities, Jemimah Rodrigues when was asked to open in the game against the Windies, made the most of it and was immediately back among the runs. She went on to the top score for the side and walked back unbeaten after having guided India over the line in a run chase, and with that, Hrishikesh feels it’s a tick on all bases.
Quoting Hrishikesh, “There is a bit of everything. When a player is not happy with her performance, results not coming, we see what’s causing it. It’s a mixture of many things. We are covering all the bases.”
Lauding Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership, Hrishikesh said, “She is just getting better, she’s always very committed, intense about what she wants from the team. That has continued. She is very professional in her approach, in leading the side as well as with her own. She has always maintained high standards. That’s what she continues to do.”
(Quotes sourced from Times of India)
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