Since the departure of Ramesh Powar as head coach in December last year, the Indian women’s cricket team has been navigating the challenges of not having a permanent coach. The team even faced the T20 World Cup in February without a head of the coaching staff. Despite this setback, star cricketer Smriti Mandhana expressed how the team has embraced the situation, finding advantages in the presence of new coaching staff and tips during their ongoing tour of Bangladesh.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of India’s third ODI against Bangladesh, Mandhana highlighted that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been actively searching for a long-term coach to fill the position. She emphasized that while not having a head coach might seem like a major concern, the players have remained focused on playing their best brand of cricket and making the most of the guidance from the current coaching staff.
“Sometimes it’s an advantage; new coaching staff comes with new tips and new positives. If I take it very positively, then it’s a good thing,” Mandhana stated optimistically.
In April, the BCCI decided to discontinue the practice of appointing coaching staff on an ad-hoc basis and committed to providing long-term contracts for the support staff of the Indian women’s cricket team. Domestic cricket stalwart Amol Muzumdar is rumored to become the Indian women’s cricket head coach, further solidifying the team’s coaching setup.
While the absence of a head coach has been a notable discussion point, Mandhana acknowledged that the team’s primary focus remains on their own performance. Despite facing challenges on the ongoing Bangladesh tour, she reassured fans that the team is putting in the effort to deliver their best on the field.
Mandhana herself has faced a slight dip in form during the Bangladesh tour, but she remains positive about her batting and the team’s progress. Despite managing starts in the T20I series, she aims to improve her application during matches and contribute more significantly to the team’s success.
As India prepares for crucial matches against Bangladesh, Mandhana praised the hosts for their growth as a team in the past year. With a competitive bowling attack and an improved brand of cricket, Bangladesh presents a formidable challenge for India. Mandhana emphasized the importance of setting a good score and excelling in all three departments to secure victory against the hosts.
As the Indian women’s cricket team continues to show resilience and adaptability amid the absence of a head coach, fans and cricket enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the upcoming matches. The team’s determination to perform at their best, coupled with the potential appointment of a new head coach, adds an element of excitement to the women’s cricketing landscape.
