Former India Women’s captain Mithali Raj is unhappy with the Indian Women's performances in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the United Arab Emirates. 

Harmanpreet Kaur-led India Women disappointed in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, where they finished in the third place of Group A with four points after four matches. They ultimately failed to qualify for the semifinals. 

India Women started the tournament with a massive 58-run defeat against New Zealand Women. While the White Ferns scored 160 runs, India Women only managed to score 102 runs. 

Although India Women comfortably beat Pakistan Women and Sri Lanka Women by six wickets and 82 runs, respectively, they suffered a close nine-run defeat against the six-time champions Australia Women.

Since 2016, Harmanpreet Kaur has been leading the Indian team. While she has already led India Women in four Women’s T20 World Cups, the latest tournament has seen the worst performances. In three previous tournaments, India Women qualified at least for the semifinals, including finishing as the runners-up in the 2020 edition. 

I would go for a young captain: Mithali Raj

Mithali Raj feels that the Indian team needs a young captain, and it is the right time to change the leadership.  

Raj told PTI, "If the selectors decide to change, I would go for a young captain. This is the time [to change]; if you delay more then we have another [ODI] World Cup on the horizon [October 2025]. If you are not doing it now, then don't do it later. Then it is too close to the World Cup.

Smriti Mandhana has been playing the vice-captain role since 2016. However, Raj feels that Jemimah Rodrigues will be a better captaincy option due to her young age. The former India Women’s captain is very impressed with the 24-year-old middle-order batter. 

Raj said, "Smriti is there but I think someone like Jemimah [Rodrigues], she's 24, she's young, she will serve you more. And [she] is someone who I feel on the field gets that energy. She speaks to everybody. I was very impressed by her in this tournament.”

While Kaur was the leading run-scorer for India Women in the ongoing Women’s T20 World Cup with 150 runs in four innings, including two half-centuries, Rodrigues played some cameo roles with the bat. 

Raj continued her support for Rodrigues, "Despite playing those cameo roles, she never could convert her starts, but [she is] someone who really made an effort to build a momentum if there was no momentum; and if there was momentum, she tried to carry that momentum [forward]."

We were not quick enough to adjust

While the ongoing Women’s T20 World Cup has been playing on slow pitches in the United Arab Emirates, Raj blamed India’s failure to adjust the conditions. 

Raj claimed, "Surprisingly, we took time to adjust to the slowness of the wicket. Unlike an ODI World Cup, it is a short tournament, you don't have a lot of time to adjust to the conditions. Someone like [New Zealand captain] Sophie Devine was able to score that many runs [57 not out] against us and she is not used to playing on slow tracks. We were not quick enough to adjust."

I've not really seen any growth in this team: Mithali Raj

Raj is also disappointed with the slow growth in Indian women’s cricket in recent years. 

The former Indian captain said, "I feel that in the last two-three years, I've not really seen any growth in this team. In the sense, like, I mean, beating the best side is what you always prepare for, but it seems like we are saturated in the sense we are beating other teams, and we are pretty happy in that. Every other team has shown growth despite limited depth, a case in point being South Africa. We have not."

Raj believed that India should experiment with the bench against the lower-ranked teams in the recent Asia Cup. Talking about it, she brought up the example of the Indian men’s team process. 

Raj continued, "It didn't seem like it was anywhere closer to... what we got to see in the World Cup. We could have given more opportunities to the bench against lower-ranked teams in Asia Cup, but we didn't. Why does the men's team do well? Immediately after a big series or a big tournament, they try others. If we are talking about depth, then when are we giving them chances?"

Seven years ago, on July 20, Harmanpreet Kaur took the cricket world by storm with her incredible performance against Australia in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2017 semi-final. India Women won the toss and chose to bat first, but rain had reduced the game to 42 overs.

Despite this, India struggled early on, losing Smriti Mandhana and Punam Raut within 10 overs. Captain Mithali Raj (36) then teamed up with Harmanpreet Kaur for a crucial 66-run partnership. Raj was out when India was at 101-3 after 25 overs.

Harmanpreet reached her fifty in 64 balls and then accelerated, scoring the next 50 runs in just 26 balls. She ended up with a stunning 171 not out off 115 balls, smashing 20 boundaries and seven sixes, helping India set a total of 281.

Australia fought back with strong performances from Elyse Villani (75) and Alex Blackwell (90), but they fell short by 36 runs. Deepti Sharma took three wickets for India.

Despite losing to England by nine runs in the final, Harmanpreet Kaur’s innings had a lasting impact on Indian cricket. Here’s how:

Boost in popularity and viewership

Harmanpreet Kaur’s historic knock led to a surge in interest and viewership for women’s cricket. The World Cup final between India Women and England Women on July 23, 2017, saw record-breaking ratings of 19.533 million impressions in India. The match and Harmanpreet’s innings helped elevate the profile of women’s cricket. The Indian team also reached the 2020 T20 World Cup final, with a remarkable 5.4 billion viewing minutes recorded across India.

Increased media coverage and player recognition

Harmanpreet Kaur’s innings led to better media coverage of women’s cricket. Journalists and media outlets began focusing more on women’s matches, including player performances, team strategies, and match analysis. This increased visibility helped spotlight exceptional performances and raise the profile of women’s cricket. The launch of the Women’s Premier League in 2023 has also provided more opportunities for players to showcase their skills and gain recognition.

Equal pay for Men and Women cricketers

In October 2022, the BCCI announced equal pay for all centrally contracted men’s and women’s cricketers. This decision marked a significant step towards gender equality in Indian cricket.

On July 20, 2024, the Indian team continued their journey in the Women’s Asia Cup, securing a seven-wicket victory against Pakistan in their first match.

Indian openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana put on a stunning performance, scoring 292 runs for the first wicket. Shafali’s incredible batting led to her first-ever double hundred, breaking Mithali Raj’s record for the highest individual score by an Indian woman in Test cricket.

On Friday, June 28, in Chennai, young Shafali Verma helped India reach over 400 runs on the first day of their only Test match against South Africa. She scored an impressive 205 runs off just 197 balls, making it the fastest double century in women’s Test cricket history.

Shafali Verma’s Remarkable Achievement

At just 20 years old, Shafali shattered the previous record held by Australian star Annabel Sutherland, who scored a double century in 248 balls against South Africa in February 2024. Shafali’s achievement not only broke this record but also made her the second Indian woman and the tenth overall to score a double hundred in women’s Tests.

Shafali’s incredible performance, alongside Smriti Mandhana’s strong support, has set a new benchmark in women’s cricket. Their partnership and Shafali’s record-breaking double century have made this match unforgettable for cricket fans worldwide.

Fastest Double Hundreds in Women’s Tests

194 balls – Shafali Verma (IND) vs SA (2024)*

256 balls – Annabel Sutherland (AUS) vs SA (2024)

313 balls – Karen Rolton (AUS) vs ENG (2001)

SEE ALSO: Axar Patel shares ‘knockout mindset’ after India reach T20 World Cup 2024 final

Beth Mooney shared with a smile, “I can tell you I’ve done a fair few calf raises this week since I got here, so hopefully we avoid that again.” However, the left calf not only brings back painful memories for her but also for the Gujarat Giants team. Losing their captain and best batter at the start of the maiden WPL season had a cascading effect.

The Giants suffered a significant loss in the season opener against eventual champions Mumbai Indians, conceding 207 runs and getting bowled out for 64, resulting in a mammoth margin of defeat of 143 runs. This loss set the tone for a tumultuous journey ahead. They faced a symmetrical pattern of losses, registering two successive defeats thrice in the competition, ultimately finishing at the bottom of the table.

Navigating Setbacks: Reflecting on Challenges

Reflecting on this challenging time, Mooney expressed, “Obviously that was a pretty disappointing time for me personally and for the team as well.” Despite the setbacks, she and the team are focused on moving forward and hitting the refresh button for the upcoming season.

The Giants underwent a significant reset, releasing 10 players from the previous year’s squad. They also made strategic moves in the mini-auction, acquiring experienced players like Phoebe Litchfield and Lauren Cheatle, alongside mentor Mithali Raj’s appointment as coach. However, the loss of Kashvee Gautam to injury was a setback, but the team adapted by bringing in reinforcements like Lea Tahuhu and Sayali Sathgare.

Strategic Adaptations: Reinforcements and Backup Plans

Mithali Raj acknowledged Kashvee’s importance but emphasized the team’s preparedness with backup plans. Klinger echoed this sentiment, mentioning the opportunity for other players to step up in Kashvee’s absence.

The Giants boast a strong lineup of overseas batters, including Ashleigh Gardner, Laura Wolvaardt, and Phoebe Litchfield. The addition of Kathryn Bryce further strengthens their options, potentially allowing them to field five overseas players.

Mooney highlighted the significance of domestic players, emphasizing the team’s depth with players like Harleen Deol, Hema, and Veda Krishnamurthy. She stressed the importance of a balanced team dynamic for success in tournaments like the WPL.

SEE ALSO:Women’s Premier League 2024 : Royal Challengers Bangalore women vs Up warriors Women, 2nd Match – Toss Update, Playing XIs

Despite the challenges of their debut season, the Giants are optimistic about the future. Sanjay Adesara, CBO of Adani Sportsline, noted the growing fan base in Gujarat, indicating excitement for the team’s progress in the competition.

Michael Klinger, the ex-Australian cricketer, is set to lead the Gujarat Giants as head coach in the forthcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL) season. Taking over from Rachael Haynes, Klinger aims to revitalize the team’s performance after their lackluster showing in WPL 2023, where they ended at the bottom of the standings with just two victories in eight matches. The franchise is focused on bolstering its squad through new acquisitions during the WPL 2024 auction.

Michael Klinger Joins Gujarat Giants Coaching Team with Bowling Coach Nooshin Al Khadeer and Mentor Mithali Raj. Raj Exudes Confidence in Klinger’s Leadership, Anticipating Improved Player Performance.

“Collaborating with Michael will undoubtedly unleash the potential of the Gujarat Giants players. His renowned batting prowess will particularly benefit our younger team members. We eagerly anticipate Klinger’s presence in the dressing room and are confident that his tenure as head coach will lead us to success,” expressed Raj regarding the appointment.

Michael Klinger assumed the role of head coach for the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League (BBL) for two consecutive seasons, spanning 2019 to 2020. Additionally, Klinger showcased his coaching prowess in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), steering the Sydney Thunder to a commendable fourth-place finish in the previous year.

Michael Klinger Aims to Lead the Team to Unparalleled Success

“In Season 2 of the Women’s Premier League, the Gujarat Giants have an opportunity to achieve something remarkable. I am excited to collaborate with the cricketing icon Mithali Raj, whose influence in Indian women’s cricket has been profound. Alongside the Adani Sportsline family, Mithali Raj, and the entire team, my aspiration is to guide the team to ultimate glory,” stated Klinger.

At the age of 36, he participated in three T20 internationals for Australia against Sri Lanka in February 2017. During these matches, he amassed 143 runs with an impressive average of 47.67 and a notable strike rate of 127.68. His highest individual score in these matches was 62 runs.

The Gujarat Giants will commence their campaign on February 25th

The Giants made notable acquisitions in the auction, adding players such as Kashvee Gautam and Phoebe Litchfield to their roster. Scotland’s Kathryn Bryce and Veda Krishnamurthy will bolster the batting lineup. Their campaign will begin on February 25th against the Mumbai Indians.

February 25 – Gujarat Giants vs Mumbai Indians – Bengaluru

February 27 – Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Gujarat Giants – Bengaluru

March 1 – UP Warriors vs Gujarat Giants – Bengaluru

March 3 – Gujarat Giants vs Delhi Capitals – Bengaluru

March 6 – Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bangalore – Delhi

March 9 – Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants – Delhi

March 11 – Gujarat Giants vs UP Warriors – Delhi

March 13 – Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Giants – Delhi

SEE ALSO:IND vs ENG: “You are watching a modern master” – Aakash Chopra praises Jasprit Bumrah

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has named former Indian cricket team captain MS Dhoni, women’s cricket team captain Mithali Raj, and all-rounder Yuvraj Singh among the five new honorary life members of the club. The other two inductees are former England cricketers Ian Bell and Claire Taylor.

The honorary life membership is one of the highest honours bestowed by the MCC, which is the custodian of the laws of cricket. The club awards this membership to individuals who have made significant contributions to cricket.

MS Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020, is regarded as one of the greatest captains in Indian cricket history. He led India to victory in the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2010 and 2016 Asia Cups, and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. He is also known for his calm and composed demeanor on the field.

Mithali Raj, the current captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, is the leading run-scorer in women’s international cricket. She has also led India to the final of the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup.

Yuvraj Singh, who retired from international cricket in 2019, is remembered for his all-round performance in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. He is also a cancer survivor and has been actively involved in raising awareness about the disease.

Ian Bell played 118 Tests, 161 One Day Internationals, and eight T20 matches for England between 2004 and 2015. He was a key member of the England team that won the 2010 T20 World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.

Claire Taylor played 15 Tests, 126 One Day Internationals, and 27 T20 matches for England between 1998 and 2011. She was the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year in 2009 and played a crucial role in England’s triumph in the 2009 ICC Women’s World Cup.

Honorary Life Members of MCC

Merissa Aguilleira – West Indies (2008–2019)

M.S. Dhoni – India (2004–2019)

Jhulan Goswami – India (2002-2022)

Jenny Gunn – England (2004-2019)

Muhammad Hafeez – Pakistan (2003-2021)

Rachael Haynes – Australia (2009-2022)

Laura Marsh – England (2006–2019)

Eoin Morgan – England (2006-2022)

Mashrafe Mortaza – Bangladesh (2001-2020)

Kevin Pietersen – England (2005-2014)

Suresh Raina – India (2005-2018)

Mithali Raj – India (1999-2022)

Amy Satterthwaite – New Zealand (2007-2022)

Yuvraj Singh – India (2000-2017)

Anya Shrubsole – England (2008-2022)

Dale Steyn – South Africa (2004–2020)

Ross Taylor – New Zealand (2006-2022)

“We are delighted to welcome these five new honorary life members to the Club. Each of them has made an outstanding contribution to cricket, and they fully deserve to be recognized in this way.”

MCC President, Clare Connor, said.