Former Indian captain Diana Edulji has sharply criticized Harmanpreet Kaur’s side after their 3-0 ODI series loss to Australia, urging the women’s team to justify the extensive support provided by the BCCI.
The Indian team struggled across all three matches, including being bowled out for just 100 runs in the opening match and conceding a massive 371 runs in the second ODI. Their performance in the series raised serious questions about team coordination, fitness, and consistency.
Edulji pointed out a lack of synergy between the coach, captain, and players, citing frequent changes in the playing XI as a major issue that disrupts rhythm and confidence within the team.
“I don’t think the coach, captain, and players are on the same page. They just don’t seem to be gelling. There is too much chopping and changing of the playing XI all the time,” Edulji remarked in an conversation with Mid-Day.
Highlighting Richa Ghosh’s batting role, Edulji criticized the decision to use her as an opener instead of her proven middle-order finishing role. While Richa managed a half-century in the second ODI, she was dismissed for just 2 runs in the third match, reflecting the inconsistency caused by such experiments.
“Richa Ghosh is not an opening bat. Why are you ruining her? Let her perform the finishing role. She is more effective there,” Edulji added.
Edulji also stressed the importance of prioritizing fitness camps over participation in overseas leagues like The Hundred and the WBBL. She attributed poor fielding and catching to inadequate training and low fitness levels, urging the team to focus on structured fitness programs.
🗣️ “Our players should not be allowed to play in WBBL and The Hundred”
~ Diana Edulji #CricketTwitter #AUSvIND via: Mid-Day pic.twitter.com/DIDQOhC2yT
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) December 13, 2024
“Either they are not training properly, or the fitness levels are zero, and that is showing in their fielding and catching. Our players should not be allowed to play in the WBBL or The Hundred. They should go into fitness camps instead,” she emphasized.
Edulji critiqued the inconsistent performances from senior players like Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur. While she praised Smriti’s 105-run knock in the final ODI, she stressed the need for regular contributions from senior players.
“Smriti scored a hundred, but she needs to be more consistent. In 10 innings, you should perform well in at least eight. Harman… there seems to be no confidence in her batting,” Edulji remarked. With the 2025 ODI World Cup fast approaching, India faces the challenge of regrouping and addressing these gaps. Their next assignment is a limited-overs series against West Indies, beginning with a three-match T20I series on December 15, followed by three ODIs.
𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚’𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐱𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 🗓
🔹 India hosts West Indies for 3 T20Is and 3 ODIs, beginning December 15. 💥
🔹 The series against Ireland follows in early January with three ODIs. 🏏#CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/CHaY57qOuG
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) December 12, 2024
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