Indian Women‘s cricket team had a disappointing performance ICC T20 World Cup 2024although they are considered strong contenders for the title, they could not go beyond the group stage. The team’s performance fell short of expectations and their early elimination was a major setback.
Ahead of the multi-team competition, the Women in Blue failed to retain their Asia Cup title, losing to Sri Lanka in the final. These unusual results raised concerns Harmanpreet Kaurdespite being one of the key figures in the team, his leadership as he tries to lead the team to success in 2024.
With the next Women’s T20 World Cup to be held in England in 2026, the Indian team management needs to address several pressing issues, including the captaincy. Appoints Smriti Mandhana because a new skipper could give a new leadership and a new direction to the team. Meanwhile, Harmanpreet’s experience will still be valuable and allow him to support the team’s transition.
3 reasons why Smriti Mandhana is fit to take on the role of captain
1. Consistent executive and reliable leader
Mandhana has consistently been one of the top performers across formats for the Indian women’s team. His reliability with the bat and ability to deliver under pressure make him a natural leader on the field. As vice-captain, he has already played an important role in leading the team and his consistent performances have earned him the respect of teammates and opponents alike. Handing over the captaincy to a player who leads by example can instill confidence in the rest of the team and set a positive tone for future campaigns. Moreover, he demonstrated his leadership skills by leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the title win Women’s Premier League (WPL)further proving his credentials as an effective captain.
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2. Fresh perspective and strategic approach
A change in management often brings a fresh perspective and Mandhana’s dynamic and aggressive style could be just what India need to regain their competitive edge. Known for her tactical acumen, Mandhana has a keen understanding of the game and has the ability to read match situations well. His approach to the game can provide new strategies, especially in high-pressure scenarios where India have faltered in recent tournaments. With Mandhana, the team was able to see more innovative and flexible tactics, which helped them stay ahead of their opponents.
3. Grooming for future success
With the next T20 Women’s World Cup scheduled for 2026, this is the perfect opportunity for Mandhana to gain valuable experience as a captain. The early appointment will allow him to develop leadership skills, build rapport with the team and shape the staff according to his vision. By the time the 2026 tournament arrives, Mandhana would have ample time to implement his strategies and address the team’s weaknesses. Additionally, with Harmanpreet still an integral part of the team, Mandhana can benefit from her experience and guidance, creating a smooth transition of leadership.
Also READ: Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: Complete list of prize winners and prize money
This article was originally published here WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
