KUUMAR SHYAM (DUBAI)
The India-Pakistan match on September 5 may be the buzz in cricket circles, but India coach Amol Mazumdar prefers to look at the bigger picture ahead of the much-anticipated clash at the women’s T20 Asia Cup in Dubai.
“We will speak about the (game) against Pakistan when we play that game. We are now focusing on one game at a time,” said Mazumdar during an interaction with the media on Sunday.
India are the most successful side in women’s Asia Cup history, having won the tournament seven times, but they are seeking to reclaim the trophy after losing the 2024 final to Sri Lanka.
Their form in the shortest format is under scrutiny with nine defeats in their 16 T20 internationals this year. But unperturbed Mazumdar said: “We don’t pay too much attention to the form.
“We know what scope for improvement this team has got. There is a huge scope for improvement as a young side. We’re trying to play some good cricket, good aggressive cricket, and from here on we’ll try and set the tone for the next six months.”
India’s preparations may have been hampered by the absence of Jemimah Rodrigues, who was ruled out of the tournament with a high-grade right hamstring tear. Pratika Rawal has been brought into the squad as her replacement.
Mazumdar described Rodrigues as a “clutch player” and added: “She will definitely be missed but, having said that, her recovery is very important for us.”
Rodrigues’, meanwhile, continues her rehab at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. "There are some other players who have come into the team and I’m sure they’ll do well,” the coach said.
India completed a 15-day camp at the Centre of Excellence before travelling to the UAE, with fitness and fielding among the areas of focus.
Mazumdar was pleased with the work done during the camp and believes the side is ready to execute its plans.
“It was a fantastic camp. As a coach, I was happy with the camp and the results,” he said. “The preparation has been good. It’s just about going out there and executing our plans.”
The Dubai heat and humidity is another challenge, although Mazumdar believes his players will be familiar with the conditions after their previous experience in the UAE.
“It is a little hot and humid over here, but we are just focused on getting used to the conditions,” he said. “Most of the team members have been a part of the T20 World Cup, played a couple of years ago. We know the conditions here.”
Spin could also be a major factor, with Mazumdar encouraged by what he has seen from the pitches during India’s practice sessions. “Spinners are crucial. We have a variety of spinners in this side,” he said. “The pitches could help the spinners as well. I guess there are some good signs for us.”