Following India's disappointing exit from the women's T20 World Cup, former captain Mithali Raj has suggested that it may be time for a change in leadership. Raj, who captained the Indian women's team before Harmanpreet Kaur took over in 2016, pointed out that Kaur has now led the squad through four T20 World Cups, yet this latest outing yielded the least favorable results. In the prior three editions, India successfully reached at least the semi-finals, highlighting a concerning decline in performance.
Raj emphasized that if the selectors are contemplating a change in captaincy, the present moment is crucial. Delaying the decision could be detrimental, especially with another Women's ODI World Cup scheduled for October 2025. She underscored the urgency of making such decisions well ahead of major tournaments to ensure a smooth transition and preparation phase.
When considering potential candidates for captaincy, Raj mentioned Smriti Mandhana, who has served as vice-captain since 2016, and expressed her belief that Jemimah Rodrigues might be a preferable option. At just 24 years old, Rodrigues exemplifies youthful energy and is regarded as someone who actively engages with her teammates on the field. Although Rodrigues struggled to convert her starts into match-winning performances, Raj noted her ability to generate momentum and maintain a positive team atmosphere.
Raj pinpointed the inability of the Indian team to swiftly adapt to diverse playing conditions as a primary factor behind their underwhelming performance in the tournament. Unlike their counterparts from Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, who undertook preparatory tours and competitive matches, the Indian players engaged in two months of intensive training and simulation in Bengaluru. This preparation, however, did not translate effectively onto the pitch, with players struggling to adjust to slower wicket conditions during the World Cup.
The former captain observed that significant international competition, such as this tournament, operates under a compressed timeline. The short format demands that teams rapidly acclimate to the conditions, something India failed to do. Raj referenced New Zealand’s captain Sophie Devine, who successfully scored runs on pitches that were not her usual environment, as an illustration of what adaptability looks like in practice.
On a broader scale, Raj lamented the stagnation of the Indian team over the last few years. She felt the team's achievements against lower-ranked opponents had led to a sense of complacency. While other teams, such as South Africa, have made considerable strides despite having limited depth, India has seemingly plateaued, satisfied with victories against teams ranked lower than themselves.
Raj drew a comparison to the men’s team, which has frequently demonstrated the importance of experimenting with player selections following major tournaments. The men’s side continually seeks to broaden its talent pool by providing opportunities to emerging players, a strategy that Raj believes is crucial for fostering depth.
Raj was also critical of the tactical decisions made by team management leading up to the World Cup. Notably, during the Asia Cup, the coaching staff opted to field established players rather than giving opportunities to those on the fringes of the team. Raj remarked on her confusion regarding the strategy, especially since the Asia Cup was the final series before entering the World Cup. She stressed that the team should have focused on tactical planning, identifying key roles and assessing player readiness for various match situations.
Highlighting fitness levels as another significant issue, Raj pointed out that poor physical conditioning contributed to the team’s inability to execute crucial skills like catching. In their match against Australia, India dropped three catches and missed several other potential opportunities. Raj expressed disappointment at the lack of fitness evidenced by many players during that match, indicating that fitness must become a priority throughout the year, not merely during pre-tournament camps.
In conclusion, the recent World Cup exit has prompted critical reflections on leadership, team dynamics, and preparation strategies within Indian women's cricket. As discussions continue regarding the future direction of the team, the emphasis will be on fostering growth, adaptability, and fitness to ensure that the squad is well-prepared for future challenges on the international stage.