CWG 2022| Can Harmanpreet Kaur lead Team India to a podium finish?

Women’s cricket will be making its debut at the Commonwealth Games 2022. While it is excellent news for the game’s development, is the Indian team well-equipped for a podium finish? Do the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side have the firepower to transform its fortunes in major tournaments?

Strengths

An enviable top-order

The gutsy Shafali Verma combined with the elegant Smriti Mandhana can put any opposition on the backfoot. The onus will be on the duo to give the team a rollicking start in the Powerplay overs.

Mandhana has an excellent record in SENA countries, where the ball comes onto the bat easily. In the three T20Is played in England, she averages 39.66, with the highest score of 70.

A backup in the form of Sabbhineni Meghana is another asset for the Women in Blue. With her clean striking abilities, Meghana could easily make it into the XI. However, a top-heavy Indian team means that the opener could warm the bench. 

Wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia has looked assured at the number three position in her short career so far. The top order looks strong and will play a crucial role in India’s quest for glory at the Games.

The skipper's stellar form

Kaur's resurgence in form has been nothing short of exceptional. The skipper swept the 'Player of the Series' award in the bilateral series against Sri Lanka. The captain is not just a mainstay in the middle order. Her part-time off-spin bowling will be equally vital when it comes to providing crucial breakthroughs.

Weaknesses

An inexperienced pace department

Vastrakar will lead India’s pace unit, which lacks big-game experience. Meghna Singh and Renuka Thakur are new to the international sphere. The pressure will be tremendous on the young guns to snare crucial wickets and contain the opposition.

Unsettled middle order

The Indian management has been faced with a precarious situation. An influx of players who naturally play in the top and upper middle order has led to an unsettled batting lineup. 

Bhatia and Kaur have occupied the No.3 and 4 spots in the line-up. As a result, Jemimah Rodrigues has had to fill in at number 5. 

Vastrakar’s noteworthy knocks and ability to deliver lusty blows have resulted in her promotion. Consequently, Deepti Sharma has often been looked at as the last recognised batter in the order. However, her playing style is not in tune with what is required of a lower middle-order player.

Though there is no harm in having floaters in the line-up, continuous changes can backfire in a crucial match.

Sloppy fielding

Misfields and dropped catches have proven costly for the team. They have squandered opportunities and ended up losing games from winning positions. 

Vice-captain Mandhana, has opined that the team will be eyeing the gold medal at the quadrennial event. The fielding standards will have to be raised in order to propel the team to success. 

Expected finish: The Indian team is likely to take home the bronze medal (3rd-place finish) if they can work on their shortcomings.

Also read: ‘Being part of Commonwealth Games is dream come true’, says England's Danielle Wyatt