Leg-spinner Poonam Yadav believes that Jemimah Rodrigues would be the best batswoman at number three. At the same time, captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s big-hitting talent makes her more suited for the number four spot in the batting order.
The Indians lost their opening match of the competition by 58 runs on Friday, despite Harmanpreet, who batted at number three against New Zealand, getting 15 runs off of 14 balls.
Harmanpreet would bat third in the World Cup, according to India’s head coach Amol Muzumdar’s announcement prior to the competition.
“Since Jemimah can utilize the field when there are just two fielders outside the circle, I would rather have her bat at number three. Jemimah can take advantage of stray balls and turn them into a 4 or 6. In contrast, Harmanpreet is better suited for powerful hitting, according to Poonam on Star Sports Press Room.
“No. 3 is a crucial position, so having Jemimah there and Harmanpreet at No. 4 would be ideal, as you need both a good finisher and someone who can hit big,” said the spinner who is not in favor.
In warm-up matches against South Africa and the West Indies, Harmanpreet has scored one and ten.
The Uttar Pradesh native, 33, underlined that India must concentrate on bowling all-rounders.
“Bowling all-rounders and batting all-rounders have different roles in the squad. Thus, they should be given greater attention. India’s all-rounders are bowling all-rounders, whereas Australia’s all-rounders are more batting-focused, the speaker stated.
“It is imperative to have a good all-round player who can score 30 to 35 runs in crunch time. The Indian team’s ability to field suitable bowlers has always been its strength.
“You should expect to give up less runs if you concentrate more on good spinners. However, you can add depth and aim for bigger totals, such as 180 runs, if you rely more on batting all-rounders,” she continued.
With their current run rate of -2.99, India’s future matches against Australia, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan will need to be decidedly won.
“Nothing is decided in the first game. Therefore, it’s critical to maintain a strong run rate in subsequent games. You must triumph categorically and return more powerfully. The comeback must be powerful, and your planning must be strong. In order to remain competitive in this event, you must conquer all difficulties.”
In addition, she discussed the parallels between playing in the UAE and India, stating, “A team always has time to prepare before a match.” You get comfortable, learn to deal with the heat, and comprehend the wicket conditions.
“Coach Amol Muzumdar said in an interview that the wickets here are comparable to those in India. He was adding that since these wickets resemble Indian and UAE pitches quite a bit, playing on them won’t be too tough. It’s not too difficult. There isn’t much of a difference in the weather between India and the UAE, she continued.
Without a doubt, one of the most influential players in women’s cricket today is Harmanpreet Kaur. Her aggressive style of batting and her ability to turn the game around has made her a vital element of the Indian women’s cricket team. Kaur has made numerous remarkable knocks over the years, including as her famous 171* against Australia in the 2017 World Cup semifinal. There are, however, increasing calls to move Harmanpreet Kaur lower in the batting order due to the shifting dynamics within the Indian team. However, why would a player with such energy step down? Let’s dissect it.
Comprehending the Batting Style of Harmanpreet Kaur
An Inherently Aggressive
Cricket player Harmanpreet Kaur is renowned for her aggressive style. When the team needs it most, she can identify the openings, hit huge sixes, and accelerate the scoreboard. She is a natural aggressor. She has been such an important figure for India under duress for this reason, among others. But many also think she could be more effective lower in the hierarchy because of the same aggressiveness.
Challenges in the Upper Order
Despite the usefulness of Kaur’s Aggression, she has had trouble batting in the top order. On several occasions, Harmanpreet Kaur has been exposed to a new ball and has had little time to adjust to her natural style due to early wickets falling. Because of this, she has been dismissed quite quickly, which has made people wonder if her batting approach is appropriate for early overs.
The Effect of Limitations on Powerplay
How Powerplays Favour Aggression
Because of powerplay limitations, which permit just two fielders to be outside the 30-yard circle, the opening ten overs of a cricket match are very important. Aggressive batters should take advantage of this moment, and Kaur’s style of play fits this description. But occasionally, because of her early hostility, she gets dismissed before she even has a chance to settle in.
Possibility of Greater Effect in Middle Overs
Harmanpreet can have a bigger influence if she enters the game in the middle overs when the field is stretched out. When the opposition is least expecting it, her aggressive play can release the chains, accelerate the run rate, and put pressure on them. A quiet, steady inning may become an explosive one with her.
The Lower Order’s Role in Leadership
Leading the Middle Lower Order
Harmanpreet Kaur plays a huge leadership role as captain of the Indian women’s team. She can help the middle-order batters who are batting lower in the order by coming in later in the inning. Her knowledge will be crucial in shifting the strike and making sure the squad makes the most of the last few overs.
Finishers Require Prior Skill
Completing a game is an art that demands practice and composure. Even if players like Deepti Sharma and Pooja Vastrakar have been doing a great job in these roles, India will greatly benefit from having Kaur finish games. The latter part of an inning is ideal for her because of her ability to hit long balls and withstand pressure.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s Comparison to Other Finishers
MS Dhoni’s Contribution to India
MS Dhoni is among the finest finishers in cricket. Similar to Harmanpreet Kaur, Dhoni was renowned for his ability to finish games and his composure under duress. In order to maintain control over the game’s tempo in the latter overs, Dhoni frequently batted down the order. Harmanpreet Kaur might take on a similar role, making sure India wins games handily.
England’s Role for Eoin Morgan
As a middle-order batsman, Eoin Morgan, the former captain of England in ODI cricket, was also quite important. His cool-headed and composed batting approach in the latter half of an innings was essential to England’s 2019 World Cup victory. Given her comparable temperament and aptitude, Harmanpreet Kaur can be equally useful to India.
The Benefit of Psychology
A Captain Capable of Winning the Match
In the last overs, the team has a psychological edge when their captain is at the crease. The opponent is aware that the game is still very much alive if Harmanpreet Kauris still batting. Significant pressure can be applied in this way, which is important in high-stakes games.
Self-Assuredness in Leadership
Harmanpreet Kaur may lead from the front and demonstrate to her squad how to handle pressure by batting down the order. The squad as a whole gains confidence knowing their captain is there to lead them.
In summary
Without a doubt, one of the most important players in Indian women’s cricket is Harmanpreet Kaur. Her impact is not lessened by being ranked lower; on the contrary, it is increased. India can increase their chances of winning by using Kaur as a finisher and letting younger players handle top-order duties. It will be more effective for her to use her expertise, Aggression, and leadership in the middle or lower order, where she can seize games and help India win more.