Former India pacer, Jhulan Goswami, is confident about India’s prospects in the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup. Reflecting on her extensive experience, including the heartbreak of the 2017 World Cup final, she emphasizes that the team should prioritize reaching the semi-finals first, before thinking about winning the trophy.
Learning from the Past
Jhulan recalls the painful loss in the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup final at Lord’s. Despite her impressive three-wicket haul, India, in pursuit of 228, fell just short, losing to England by nine runs. While the result was heartbreaking, it marked a turning point for Indian women’s cricket, which began receiving more recognition and attention globally.
Now, as a coach and mentor, Goswami recognizes the importance of managing expectations. She believes the current Indian team is well-prepared but advises against putting too much pressure on them to win the tournament. Instead, she suggests their primary focus should be on securing a spot in the semi-finals.
India’s Strengths in the T20 World Cup
Jhulan is optimistic about India’s chances in the T20 World Cup, praising the team’s balanced composition. She highlights that this squad has been playing together for a significant period, which has helped build cohesion and understanding among the players.
India’s spin department, in particular, stands out as one of its major strengths, according to Goswami. The presence of a well-rounded mix of all-rounders and reliable finishers adds further depth to the team. Recent positive results in home series bolster confidence, raising hopes of a strong showing in the tournament.
While expectations are naturally high, Goswami remains grounded, noting that success will depend on taking it one match at a time. The first milestone, she reiterates, is reaching the semi-finals. Only then should the team think about going all the way.
In essence, Jhulan Goswami urges the Indian women’s cricket team to stay focused on the immediate goal of making the top four, while remaining hopeful for a successful run in the tournament.
