The performance of Team India in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 has raised eyebrows, with the team managing to win only two out of four group stage matches. The defeats against powerhouse teams like New Zealand and Australia have put a significant dent in their hopes of advancing to the semi-finals. Given this lackluster showing, the team’s captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, is facing increasing scrutiny. Under her leadership, the Indian team continues to struggle, with an ongoing wait for a noteworthy ICC trophy victory.
Struggles in Key Matches
During a crucial match against Australia, Team India lost by a mere nine runs. Harmanpreet Kaur, despite playing a commendable innings with an unbeaten score of 54 runs off 47 balls, could not secure a win for her team. This match was not an isolated incident; throughout her T20 career, Kaur has scored 14 half-centuries, yet the team has triumphed in only six of those encounters. This statistic highlights a troubling trend where her individual performances do not translate into team victories.
Crucial Mistakes in High-Pressure Situations
As one of the most experience players in the squad, Harmanpreet’s decision-making under pressure has come into question. The match against Australia exemplified this concern, as the team required 14 runs in the final over. Instead of stepping up, Kaur faced only two balls in that over, opting for singles rather than aggressive shots that could have altered the outcome. Even when the team needed 13 runs from the last three deliveries, her hesitation and strategic missteps were evident. This isn’t the first time such lapses have occurred, raising doubts about her ability to steer the team towards victory when it matters most.
Poor Performance Against Top Teams
Harmanpreet Kaur has earned a reputation for her explosive batting style, but her performance against leading teams has left much to be desired. Her batting average against Australia stands at a mere 29.06, and it dips even lower to 22.47 against England and 16.07 against New Zealand. In contrast, her highest average of 66 is against teams like the UAE, which underlines the disparity in her performance. Such statistics paint a concerning picture for a player expected to lead and perform in crucial matches.
Concerns About Leadership and Strategy
Since taking over as captain of the Indian T20 team in 2012, Harmanpreet has overseen 122 matches, winning 70. However, her record against top-tier teams showcases a worrying trend. Under her captaincy, India has only managed to win four out of 23 matches against Australia, six out of 16 against England, and just two out of seven against New Zealand. These figures suggest a need for strategic reevaluation if the team aims to succeed on the international stage.
Workload Management: A Critical Factor
At 35 years old, Harmanpreet Kaur faces the physical demands of captaining Team India across all three formats of the game. With the next T20 World Cup scheduled for 2026, she will be 37 by the time it arrives. The significant workload she carries raises the question of whether she should consider stepping away from one format to prolong her career and enhance her performance. Notably, other senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have made similar decisions, prioritizing their fitness and effectiveness on the field.
