As India prepares to face New Zealand in a must-win encounter today, Head Coach Amol Muzumdar addressed the media with a composed yet determined tone, acknowledging the team’s recent setbacks but expressing firm belief in their ability to bounce back. After three consecutive defeats, India finds themselves in a do-or-die situation – a win today would seal their direct qualification for the next stage of the tournament.
Reflecting on India’s last three matches, Muzumdar admitted that the team had failed to close out games effectively.
“We accept that we were not able to finish it. We have had a very nice discussion about it with the team and hopefully, going forward, we could finish the job and finish the games off. We always reiterate within the team that it’s important to start well, but it’s even more important to finish better.”
When questioned about dropping a key batter in favour of a sixth bowling option in the last game, Muzumdar stood by the team’s decision.
“Jemimah has been a very important and integral part of the side we have built, and sometimes you just have to take those tough calls. We decided as a team that we would go match by match. The game against England required the sixth bowling option, given the ground and conditions in Indore. It was one of the toughest decisions, but sometimes tough calls do need to be taken.”
He added that combinations may change again, depending on conditions in Navi Mumbai, “We’ll have a good discussion in the evening and take a fair call on what we want to do. Maybe the combination will be different here.”
Muzumdar expressed confidence in the team’s comfort level at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. “Coming to this ground holds a very good place in the heart of the team. We’ve had a couple of camps here, gives a good vibe, hopefully it will give us the desired results.”
The coach also spoke about how the squad, a blend of experienced players and youngsters, is equipped to handle pressure.
“There has to be some kind of pressure. But this side is well equipped to handle that. We’ve got the liberty of having experienced players as well as youngsters coming through… The last three games haven’t been in our favour, but hopefully the next few will be.”
Despite consistent starts, India’s top order has failed to convert fifties into big scores in this World Cup. Muzumdar acknowledged this and revealed that the team has addressed it openly. “We’re well aware that a three-figure mark hasn’t come this World Cup. But if you look at the past 18 months, we’ve had more hundreds than ever before… We’ve had honest discussions about it, the players also have been honest that instead of a fifty, we could have converted those into hundreds. I’m hopeful it will come in the next couple of games.”
Defending the captain amid mounting pressure, Muzumdar praised Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership and hard work. “I don’t think it’s about pressure. She’s been leading fantastically. You can see the record she has had in bilaterals before this World Cup, fantastic in the last two years or so. She got into a groove in the last game and could have converted that into a hundred. Knowing Harmanpreet, she’s put in the hard yards.”
He also lauded Deepti Sharma’s all-round contributions, describing her as one of the pillars of the team. “Deepti Sharma, I’ve always maintained this, she is one of the pillars of the team. She is a fantastic all-rounder, one of the best in the world… Being the senior most of the bowling group, she is a pillar. She loves competition and pressure.”
Responding to concerns around Pratika’s strike rate, Muzumdar offered full backing to the young batter. “If you look at Pratika Rawal’s progression from last December when she made her debut in international cricket, she averages around 50 and her strike rate is around 82, 83, if I’m not wrong.
“I think that’s fantastic and we would like her to continue the way she bats, and the entire team is behind her and Harleen (Deol) as well. And, you know, I don’t think any discussion has happened over that particular subject… The entire team is behind her. She’s taken to international cricket like a fish to water.”
With qualification on the line, India enter today’s clash against New Zealand with everything to play for. Muzumdar’s measured words reflected a mix of realism and quiet confidence – a belief that his side, despite their recent struggles, has the resilience and depth to turn things around when it matters most.
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