India need to improve the domestic structure, feels Harmanpreet Kaur
What's the story
Indian women's cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur believes India are a few years behind Australia and England as far as the domestic cricket is concerned. According to her, the Indians are are at par with other marquee teams in terms of fitness. The 31-year-old also reiterated that captaincy has made her more aware of situations than thinking about the individual performance. Here is more.
Captaincy
Harmanpreet led India to final of Women's T20 World Cup
Under Harmanpreet, India have won 38 T20Is out of the total 59 games. India had a terrific T20 World Cup campaign earlier this year, wherein they lost the final to hosts Australia. They were undefeated in the tournament before the grand finale. However, Harmanpreet's recent form has plunged of late. Since January 2020, she has scored 148 runs in 10 innings at 18.50.
Quote
The team is understanding the importance of fitness
"Definitely we are five-six years behind them in these aspects. But now girls have understood their responsibility towards being fit. The things we have grasped in last two-three years, England and Australia have been doing from long before," Kaur told Mumbai Mirror.
Difference
The players are well aware of expectations at international level
The Indian captain pointed out the difference in scenarios within the domestic and international culture. "Earlier there used to be huge difference between a domestic player and what is expected at international level. But now some 30 girls are given individual programme by the BCCI," Harmanpreet stated. She added, "So when one of them is picked for India, she is not clueless about expectations."
Fielding
India's fielding is better than before as per Harmanpreet
India were sloppy on the field in the T20 World Cup, particularly the final. Youngster Shafali Verma dropped Alyssa Healy on 9, who seized the opportunity. However, Kaur reiterated that things have improved substantially. "Earlier, we would come close to these teams and lose, but now we are winning matches. We are better batters and bowlers than these two countries," she said.