Former Indian captain and CoA member, Diana Edulji slammed the Indian women’s cricket team for not producing expected results. Edulji complained about the psyche of the team which led to India losing games from winning situations.
The Indian women’s team lost in the finals of the T20I Tri-series against Australia at Junction Oval, on Wednesday. Despite doing well to reach the finals, and reaching a comfortable position to win the match, the Indian team crumbled under pressure.
Chasing a target of 155, the Indian team, powered by Smriti Mandhana’s quickfire knock of 66, India reached 115 for the loss of three wickets by the end of 15th over.
However, the chase changed its course with the wicket of the Indian opener as they collapsed under pressure and got bundled out for 144.
“There is something wrong with this team. This is a team which can win every game and it does win from an unlikely situation but the next game it is losing from a comfortable position like it did today. They are simply not consistent enough,” Edulji told PTI.
India is yet to open their account when it comes to winning ICC titles. They missed out on winning the World Cup by a whisker during the 2018 Women’s World Cup, after losing to host England from a winning position.
“They have all the facilities at their disposal now, at par with men, and yet they have not been able to play consistent cricket and win ICC trophies. If they play like the way they are playing, they will make the semifinals again (at T20 World Cup) but I don’t see them winning the trophy,” added Edulji.
Further, Edulji questioned the athleticism of the Indian players whom she thinks do not go for that extra run. Also, the former CoA member called for resignation from Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur.
“They are so lazy that they never try for a second. These are the things that make all the difference. It is a single or a boundary, there is nothing in between,” continued the 64-year old.
“Maybe Harman should give up captaincy and play her natural game. Something seems to be troubling her,” the former Railways cricketer mentioned.
In the end, Edulji diagnosed a need for mental conditioning camps which might make the women’s brigade cross the ‘final’ hurdle.
“Going forward, they need to undergo mental strengthening courses. At the moment, you will see them making the semis and finals but an added push is required if they are to hold the trophy,” concluded Edulji.
