Indian women's team head coach Amol Muzumdar shared an update on captain Harmanpreet Kaur's injury ahead of the first ODI match against West Indies. Amol Muzumdar expressed optimism about her recovery from a knee problem, adding that she will hit the nets ahead of the upcoming match.
Harmanpreet Kaur suffered a knee fungus while batting in the first T20I against West Indies. The Indian skipper was not on the field for the second innings of the series opener. This injury forced her to miss the last two games of the series. Her availability for the opening ODI on December 22 is uncertain.
Harmanpreet Kaur to bat in Nets today, decision on availability awaited – Amol Muzumdar
Speaking ahead of the first ODI match, Amol Muzumdar said Harmanpreet Kaur will have a full nets session on Saturday and a decision on her availability will be taken later.
“Harmanpreet will bat in the nets today… a full schedule of nets. We will take a call after the nets are over and I am sure it will be fine,” Muzumdar said during the pre-series press conference.
In Harmanpreet Kaur's absence, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana led India to a 2-1 T20I series win over West Indies. This was India's first home win in the T20I series since October 2019. Mandhana smashed three consecutive half-centuries during the series.
We will feel the absence of some players – Amol Muzumdar
Amol Muzumdar said the team would miss young wicketkeeper-batsman Yastika Bhatia, who is recovering from an injury. However, he assured that the management will select the best XI from the available 15-member squad for the upcoming ODI series.
“Yes, we will feel the absence of some players. Yastika Bhatia is injured, rehabbing at NCA. Let's hope she will be fit and well very soon. So, we will try to pick the best XI from the 15 member team here” , Muzumdar said.
A couple of new entrants in the ODI lineup – Amol Muzumdar
India have picked Delhi batsman Pratika Rawal for the ODI series. Rawal, who was the second highest run scorer in the previous Senior Women's One Day Trophy with 411 runs at an average of 68.50 and a strike rate of 91.94. Along with Rawal, Tanuja Kanwer also got her first call-up from the ODI squad.
The Indian head coach advised the new players in the ODI line-up to enjoy their time on the field and focus on spending time in the middle. He stressed the importance of practicing in a way that reflects match situations.
“There are some new entrants in the ODI line-up. (I say) just go out there and have fun and spend some time in the middle.
“That is the most important thing. Even in training, we would like to practice how we will play in a match, so that is the message to the newcomers in the team,” he said.
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