As the India team prepares for the upcoming limited-overs series against Australia, the Indian coach delivered an important message on Wednesday. Head coach Amol Muzumdar highlighted the importance of the Indian team focusing inward under him, rather than being preoccupied with the achievements and threats posed by their opponents.
After attaining remarkable triumphs against daunting opponents England and Australia in consecutive one-off Tests in Mumbai, the in-form India side is now aiming for prime results in the upcoming three-match ODI series.
With the forthcoming Women’s T20 World Cup lined up for September – October 2024 in Bangladesh to be followed by the ODI World Cup to be held in India, Muzumdar pointed out the team’s significance on the “bigger picture”. The strategic focus emerged from the team’s tendency to waver during critical moments, reminding a coordinated effort to overcome such challenges.
“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,” coach Amol Muzumdar told the media ahead of India’s training session at the Wankhede Stadium.
“Yes, they (Australia) are a good team. They have been doing well in the past, but the message is very clear to the team – we would look inwards, “ he added. “We would look to improve on every given opportunity on every single day. If we can do that I will be happy.”
India head coach acknowledged Australia as a consistent team over a while but once again emphasized the importance of looking inwards.
“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”, he said. “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.”
Amol Muzumdar also said that he has had several on and off-field discussions with captain Harmanpreet Kaur on how to take this side forward which also helped break the ice between the two.
“We have had a lot of discussions off the field regarding how we have to get it right and sometimes the decisions come correct… one – odd decision must have broken the ice,” said Muzumdar.
Team India Head Coach Amol Muzumdar applauds Harmanpreet Kaur
💬 💬 "She has been an inspiration."
Head Coach Amol Muzumdar heaps praises on #TeamIndia captain Harmanpreet Kaur 👏 👏#INDvAUS | @ImHarmanpreet | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/KWyXZWGM3v
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) December 27, 2023
He stated that Harmanpreet Kaur has been the glue that holds this team together. “She is basically the glue of the team and they all rally around her.” “They look up to her for inspiration and she has been a very inspirational figure in the dressing room for a number of years now and she carries that aura,” coach added.
With India naming four beginners for the ODI and T20I against Australia, Muzumdar said the squad has been picked keeping the World Cup in mind.
“Credit also goes to the selectors who have picked up the team. We had long, good discussions with the selectors and the BCCI officials that we need to look ahead at the World Cup,” he said.
“With 11 matches across all formats against two opponents to be played in a span of 35 days, Muzumdar said his side are not complaining. The scheduling has been fantastic,” he added.
“The T20Is followed by the Test against England were into 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,” Amol Muzumdar concluded.
The three-match ODI series against Australia will commence from Thursday. Following the ODI series, a T20I series comprising an equal number of games will take place.
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