The veteran Indian fast bowler, Jhulan Goswami recently announced her retirement from T20I a few time back but that hasn’t stopped her from following the current ICC Women’s World T20, where India, under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur has made it to the semi-final of the tournament. India has beaten New Zealand, Pakistan and Ireland comprehensively to remain unbeaten in the tournament so far, and as per pacer, if their current form is anything to go by, and Co. are shaping well to lift the trophy.
As quoted in Times of India, Jhulan said, “It’s always great to reach the last-four stage. The team looks confident and each one has played her part so far. There is bound to be pressure when you are playing a semi-final. If the girls hold their nerve and express themselves freely, I see no reason why they can’t bring the Cup home.”
Goswami was captain of the team the last time India made it to the semi-final of the World T20 in 2010. Under her captaincy, India failed to overcome reach the final, but Goswami feels that the current squad is capable of going all the way. Harmanpreet has led from the front in the first game, becoming the first India woman cricketer to score a T20I century, and while it were her majestic hitting skills that took India over the line in the first game, India rode on the experience of Mithali Raj, who struck a fifty against Pakistan and Ireland to ensure India their hot streak.
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Talking about the same, Jhulna said, “Trying out Taniya was the surprise element against the Kiwis. However, I feel Mithali [Raj] should continue to open as it gives the team a lot of stability.”
The fast bowler credit coach Ramesh Powar for improving the players and the team. She feels that under the former India spinner, the players have been able to express themselves better.
Goswami explained, “Since Ramesh took over as the coach, he has given the players the license to play their natural game. The girls are playing fearless cricket. This attitude has boosted the team. Ramesh has also ensured that there weren’t too many changes in the playing XI right through the qualifying stage. This helped the team settle down as a unit.”
India will now lock horns with Australia in their last Group fixture on Saturday, before their semifinal clash on November 22.
