(Image Source: PTI)
[Saba Sports News] Former interim coach Nooshin Al-Khadeer emphasized that Skipper Harmanpreet Singh’s two-match suspension, which will only allow her to participate in the Hangzhou Asian Games T20 competition if India makes it to the final, will not harm the team. Instead, it presents an opportunity for other players to step up.
Harmanpreet’s ban by the ICC stemmed from her actions during the third ODI loss to Bangladesh in July, where she protested her dismissal by smashing the stumps and criticized the umpire.
Nooshin, who previously coached the victorious women’s U-19 World Cup team and the U-23 Emerging Asia Cup-winning side in Hong Kong, praised Harmanpreet as an experienced campaigner and captain. However, she also highlighted the chance for other players to showcase their skills in the middle and seize their opportunities.
The former India spinner urged everyone to move past the incident in Dhaka and focus on Harmanpreet’s return to cricket. She encouraged pride and optimism in the men’s and women’s teams’ potential success, referring to the recent Asia Cup victory by the men’s team.
India, as the top seed, has received a bye into the quarter-finals, scheduled for September 21. Nooshin noted that India would face strong competition from teams like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, which have shown significant improvement in recent matches against top teams like South Africa, England, and India.
Nooshin expressed confidence in India’s prospects, especially highlighting the emergence of medium-pacer Titas Sadhu’s fitness and skill growth since the U-19 World Cup. She also mentioned all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar, who has joined the squad in place of the injured left-arm seamer Anjali Sarvani.
Regarding the Hrishikesh Kanitkar-coached side, Nooshin emphasized that it’s a great opportunity for young players to showcase their talents. She underlined the importance of Shafali Verma’s ability to provide a strong start and highlighted players like Kanika Ahuja, Richa Ghosh, and Minnu Mani for their contributions.
With Smriti Mandhana leading India in Harmanpreet’s absence, Nooshin praised Mandhana’s leadership skills and calm demeanor. Mandhana has previously captained Maharashtra and has shown success as a leader.
Considering the expected hot and humid conditions in Hangzhou, Nooshin predicted that spinners would play a crucial role in the tournament’s outcome. She also expressed satisfaction that left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad has returned to the team.
The women’s tournament is scheduled to take place from September 19 to 25, with India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh having direct entry into the quarter-finals.
The matches will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Network and streamed on Sony Liv.