Indian women’s head coach Amol Muzumdar has declared his candidacy as captain Harmanpreet Kaurdismissing suggestions of pressure on the veteran campaigner ahead of India’s crucial 2025 Women’s World Cup match against New Zealand at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Thursday, October 23.
India started the tournament with back-to-back wins against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. However, since then they have embarked on a three-game losing streak. A loss for the Women in Blue on Thursday will all but end their hopes of advancing to the semifinals.
As the pressure mounts on Harmanpreet and her team, Muzumdar said the 36-year-old knows how to lead in this difficult phase. He also praised Harmanpreet for the way she captained the Indian team over the past few years.
“I don’t think it’s about any kind of pressure. She has been fantastic in the lead. If you look at her record in bilateral series before this World Cup, it has been excellent. She has led the team through various challenges and has done remarkably well,” Muzumdar said at the pre-match press conference.
After a slow start to the tournament with the bat, Harmanpreet hit a combative 70 off as many balls against England in the final match. While Muzumdar admitted that there have been instances of missed opportunities with Harmanpreet, he predicted that a major performance from the veteran was imminent.
“Yes, she got into her groove in the last match and could have turned that start into a hundred, which would have been ideal. But knowing Harman, she is in the toughest areas and hopefully it will all click in the next few matches,” he added.
Both India and New Zealand have four points after playing five matches at the Women’s World Cup. There is only one spot left in the semi-finals, with Australia, South Africa and England having already booked their places. The winner of Thursday’s clash has one foot in the knockouts.
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