The area I think India should really focus on improving is no. 3 batter position: Mithali Raj

Indian women’s cricket team captain Mithali Raj. (Photo by Ravi Choudhary/ Hindustan Times)

Former India Women’s team skipper Mithali Raj shared her opinion on what areas the team needs to work on ahead of the prestigious Women’s T20 World Cup to be played in October. Raj added that the key focus remains on improving the no.3 batting position as the team is trying various options there.

The former cricketer also stated that bowling aspects need attention because they probably need a sixth all-rounder option. Further, Raj advised the Indian team to go all-out in the World Cup and play a great brand of cricket as it is happening in Bangladesh where the conditions are similar to India.

Speaking exclusively to Star Sports, former India Women’s Cricket team captain Mithali Raj shared her thoughts on the changes the Indian Women’s team should make to be ready for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup. She said, “Come October, India is going to participate in the biggest tournament, the T20 Women’s World Cup. The area I think India should really focus on improving is the number 3 batter position. They are still searching for the right batter to go at number 3. They have tried Hemlata and they have tried Chetry.

“But ideally, they should have someone who can really go big after the sort of opening partnership that Shafali and Smriti would provide. Also, the bowling aspect needs attention because right now they are going with only 5 bowlers. They probably require a 6th bowler, someone like an all-rounder who can bowl a few overs as well as bat. I think these are the areas India should look to tweak before getting into the World Cup.”

“My message to the Indian team would be to play good cricket, play hard cricket, and compete. I believe you all have a great chance because it’s in Bangladesh, a location with conditions that suit us. Our strengths have always been the spinners, and this time around our batting is also doing really well. So, good luck to you all,” she concluded.