After a resounding victory against Australia in the one-off test, the Indian team will now shift its focus to the white ball series scheduled to begin on 28th December. Australia has been the more dominant side in ODIs with 40 wins in 50 matches but Indian team coach Amol Muzumdar is sure that the team can change records this time around.
Muzumdar acknowledged that Australia is a strong and consistent side but believes that India has the capability to beat them. He said that the team needs to focus on their strengths and look inwards to beat the seven-time world champions.
“They have been a consistent team for a long period of time and that is why they have won so many World Cups whether it is T20 or ODI. But we need to focus on our strengths and we need to focus inward and think about how we are going to do against one of the best sides in the world” he said.
Coach Amol Muzumdar has a clear message to the Indian women's cricket team ahead of the ODI Series.#CricketTwitter #INDvAUS 📸PTI pic.twitter.com/DCFdmEkmrt
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) December 27, 2023
With the World Cup looming ahead, he also said that the team needs to focus on the bigger picture but at the same time not lose focus on the current games. Losing knockout matches has become a trademark of the Indian team and Muzumdar believes that if the team takes steps to improve every day, they will be in a better position.
He said, “I will now shy away from saying that we have not had a look at the bigger picture. But at the same time, do not lose focus on the current happenings…We would look to improve on every given opportunity on every single day. If we can do that, I will be happy” he said.
He also spoke about how the squad selection and game schedule has been decided keeping the World Cup in mind. Shreyanka Patil, Mannat Kashyap, Titas Sadhu, and Saika Ishaque have received their maiden ODI call up and Muzumdar said that these players have been selected as they can contribute in India’s World Cup campaign. Further, he spoke about the packed schedule of the side. 11 matches across all formats in a span of 35 days can be intimidating but he said that the team is not complaining.
"She has been an inspiration."
Head Coach Amol Muzumdar praises Harmanpreet Kaur 👏#CricketTwitter #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/RlDBFAaDZN
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) December 27, 2023
“The T20Is followed by the Test against England and we were into the red-ball cricket and we have carried that into the Australia series. Yes, it is a packed schedule, but all the players are really looking forward for every opportunity they get to be on the ground” he said. The team is looking at the matches as valuable preparation for the World Cup.
Vaishnavi is a passionate author with an unwavering love for cricket, particularly women’s cricket. Her writing reflects her deep admiration for the sport and her dedication to promoting women’s participation in it. When she’s not following the latest cricket matches, Vaishnavi can be found engrossed in books or enjoying movies.