Harman is the glue of the team; they all rally around her: Muzumdar

Since taking over the coaching responsibility of the Indian Women’s cricket team, Amol Muzumdar has been on a ride. Even though India lost to England in the T20I series earlier this month, by winning back-to-back Test matches against England and Australia, India are running high on confidence.

However, they wouldn’t make the mistake of taking the Aussies lightly in the limited-overs format, starting on December 28, for the World Champions have made winning a habit. Muzumdar is cognizant of this fact, stating that they need to focus inward. 

“I will now shy away from saying that we have not had a look at the bigger picture. But at the same time, do not lose focus on the current happenings. Yes, they (Australia) are a good team. They have been doing well in the past, but the message is very clear to the team — we would look inwards,” Muzumdar told the media ahead of India's training session at the Wankhede Stadium.

“We would look to improve on every given opportunity on every single day. If we can do that, I will be happy. They have been a consistent team for a long period of time and that is why they have won so many World Cups, whether it is T20 or ODI. But we need to focus on our strengths and we need to focus inward and think about how we are going to do against one of the best sides in the world,” he added.

Indian Women’s team coaches in the past have been embroiled in many controversies lately. While Ramesh Pawar and Mithali Raj saga is well-known, there had been reports about many players feeling a lot of pressure under WV Raman. However, Muzumdar’s ethos is simple - he wants to have honest conversations with his players and keep the channel of communication active all throughout.

“Honesty is one thing I have always stressed on. (We) had honest conversations and that must have broken the ice. You need to ask Harman about it. I have been very honest in my cricketing discussions that we have had; the suggestions have been welcomed at the same time. We have had a lot of discussions off the field regarding how we have to get it right and sometimes the decisions come correct… one-odd decision must have broken the ice,” said Muzumdar.

Harmanpreet Kaur led the side really well in the Test series and players have come forward praising the freedom she provides as the leader of the pack. Muzumdar was all praise for the skipper, stating that players look up to her for inspiration.

“She is basically the glue of the team and they all rally around her. They look up to her for inspiration and she has been a very inspirational figure in the dressing room for a number of years now and she carries that aura.

“Credit also goes to the selectors who have picked up the team. We had long, good discussions with the selectors and the BCCI officials that we need to look ahead at the World Cup,” the Mumbaikar added.