Richa Ghosh has played a significant role in India's middle-order with the bat, scoring at a brisk pace and getting her side to formidable totals. The 19-year-old has played three superb innings in the ongoing Women's T20 World Cup, but her highest score of 47* against England went in vain as India succumbed to a 11-run loss, chasing 152.
However, India fielding Subhadeep Ghosh has revealed how impressive Richa has been with her work ethic when it comes to her fielding and catching, taking it very seriously.
"I think we started with Richa; we started long back. I think it's a long process and she is, her work ethic is terrific," Subhadeep said ahead of India's crucial tie against Ireland at St. George's Park, Gqeberha
"I think every session she will come, she and Deepti will be coming and have some easy catches, maybe 30-40 catches. And specifically for Richa, we are doing some little bit of glove work, all those foot movement also. Every day she is doing all those things."
He also added that key for Richa's improvement when it comes to wicketkeeping will be to adapt to conditions well.
"Yes, there is always room for improvement for every cricket player and one thing I think keeping in different condition in South Africa is the more carry is there," Subhadeep who has played 17 first-class and as many 50-over games said.
"When she goes to different conditions, maybe skill level will be different. So, she has to adapt and she is working on it and she will definitely adapt to all those things."
Fielding on big grounds in South Africa is a challenge and it is important to get the field placements right to get the angles, which is something India are working hard on.
"I think that cutting the angles is the most important thing. I think that positioning is important where you stand, where you know exactly where you can stop the double and as well as boundaries. This is the one area we're constantly in touch with the players and also getting better," Subhadeep said.
"It's big ground, but the positioning is very important where the players need to stand and cut those angles, saving tools and important boundaries also. These are the constant chat we have in the dressing room and in the meeting."
India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has not been at her best in the tournament so far, having scored just 53 from her three innings at a strike-rate of under90. Subhadeep has however dismissed speculations of her form, or lack of it, being a matter of concern for the team.
"Harman is a big player. I think she is going to fire and she is working hard. All the batters are spending a lot of time in the nets. I think you have seen Jemi [Rodrigues] playing that fabulous [knock] against Pakistan. Richa is fabulous in all the games," Subhadeep, who has been the fielding coach since 2021, said.
"In the last match, I think it was a couple of sixes, it could have been a different story - Smriti [Mandhana] as well. I think all the girls in good form and Harman also."
Speaking of the challenge Ireland will face against India, Ireland skipper Laura Delany said, "I think India have performed well in their last number of games. I think particularly in that England game, that in-swing bowler caused particular problems along with their spin bowlers, but I think some of their strengths is just their hard-hitting ability to clear the ropes and the key partnerships that they put together. So yeah, that's one area that we're very aware of at the moment."
A win for India will put them in a good position to make it through to the semis. However, they will still be dependent on how Pakistan fare in their remaining matches. Ireland, on the other hand, have lost all three games so far and regardless of what happens in this game, they will not be able to make it through to the semi-final.