Even though India have lost two straight T20 series, first in New Zealand and now at the hands of the English women, coach W V Raman feels the results could be a blessing in disguise as the Indian women know now what they lack in this format.

Speaking after England inflicted the one-run win over India, Raman said that inspite of the complete whitewash India has drawn some positives from the three-match T20 series. “Our bowlers did a fine job and the fielders too. The T20 format requires cricketers to play smart cricket that too under pressure. India might have lost the series but there are positives to take. There were newcomers in the side who did not have international experience at all. So, I am not sulking or moaning at the loss,” said Raman, who also felt that Mithali Raj was not backed by other batters in the match.

When asked about Mithali’s role in T20 captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s absence in the team, Raman said, “We have spoken to her about where she wants to play in the order. In Harman’s absence, she has done well in the middle-order. Obviously, things might change when Harman is back and new strategies take over.”

Emphasizing the need to develop ‘skills’ in order to do well, Raman said plans to enhance skills will be rolled out for the India women team during the next six months. “Players know what is needed from them in a match. But if you don’t have a skill set then you are never going to execute and win. The women need to work on their skills and the others things can follow thereafter. Tactics cannot be executed if there is no technique. Women need to concentrate on learning the skills. They need to prepare themselves in this direction and then the results will follow,” concluded Raman.

With the next T20 world cup slated to take place in Australia early next year, Indian women will need to brush up their T20 skills certainly in order put up a good show.

First Published: Mar 09, 2019 20:49 IST