India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur stated that everyone in the team is discussing and focusing on the need for a "killing" attitude within the members of the side prior to their first Group A encounter against Australia in the opening match of the women's T20 competition of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
All eyes will be on how Harmanpreet & Co. fare against the Meg Lanning-led side on Friday as they take the field at Edgbaston Cricket Ground for the first-ever women's T20 match in the history of the Commonwealth Games. This suggestion was made by all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar during the team's tour of Sri Lanka in June-July.
"There was a meeting with only players present when we were on our tour in Sri Lanka. I questioned all the females about what we wanted to establish for our team. Pooja therefore provided a really good response: murdering attitude. From then, we continue to concentrate on that while engaging in activities during training and play."
"We are attempting to establish that mauhaal (climate) where the crew as a whole is discussing this murdering mentality. I am unable to speak about Australia's practises, but I can discuss my team. In order to combat this attitude, we are all working together "explained Harmanpreet during a televised press conference prior to the game.
The India women's cricket team will also be playing its maiden T20 match in Edgbaston on Friday. This venue has short straight and side boundaries on the square that stand at about 59–60 metres. Harmanpreet said the squad had planned for the small boundaries and thought the Edgbaston pitch would be excellent for both hitters and bowlers.
"These things have been sought after in the nets. Although we haven't played at this location previously, England has several very similar-looking wickets. We had no problems yesterday when we were able to bat in nets, which was a benefit for us."
"Yesterday, we went to the stadium (Wednesday). We were unable to view the pitch, but we were able to spend time in the nets, and I believe the pitch will resemble the nets quite a bit. It appeared to be a good batting surface, and the weather and grass on the wicket helped the bowlers."
"Both bowlers and hitters will enjoy it. It's time to focus on the ball and carry out our plans rather than thinking about anything outside of the playing field. We still have a balanced side if we talk about team combinations. We can win the competition if we only change up our batting order and bowl relatively well."
Harmanpreet acknowledged that everyone is still getting used to how things work in Games Village because the team is competing in a multisport event for the first time at the Commonwealth Games. Harmanpreet was unsure about the team attending the opening ceremony because of the match against Australia on Friday.
"Compared to the other tournaments we have participated in, staying in the village is a little different. However, we are embracing and getting used to these changes since without your ID card, nobody will recognise you anywhere you go. We are currently considering the opening ceremony because we have an early game the following day. We definitely intend to travel if everything turns out as planned."
Every game in the competition, according to Harmanpreet, would be important for them, and she wants the team to concentrate on one game at a time. "You see, each and every team is significant to us. In a competition like this, winning every game is something that is crucial. We also value the subsequent games and the initial game."
"However, the first game is always crucial because you need to set the team's tone. We have plans for the other two teams because they are crucial. For us, it's now one game at a time, and the first game is currently receiving our complete attention. Will devote all of my attention to the preparations for other games when they are scheduled."