Former India captain Mithali Raj said that India’s Women’s team should focus on finding a suitable batter for the crucial No. 3 position before the upcoming 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. She added that the side have tried out a few options but haven’t found the desired success as well. India used batters like Dayalan Hemalatha, S Sajana, and Uma Chetry at No. 3 at the recently concluded Women’s Asia Cup as well.

Speaking to Star Sports, she said: “Come October, India is going to participate in the biggest tournament, the T20 Women’s World Cup. The area I think India should really focus on improving is the number 3 batter position. They are still searching for the right batter to go at number 3. They have tried Hemlata and they have tried Chetry. But ideally, they should have someone who can really go big after the sort of opening partnership that Shafali and Smriti would provide.”

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“Also, the bowling aspect needs attention because right now they are going with only 5 bowlers. They probably require a 6th bowler, someone like an all-rounder who can bowl a few overs as well as bat. I think these are the areas India should look to tweak before getting into the World Cup,” she again added.

The Indian team, however, entered the 2024 Women’s Asia Cup final unbeaten but lost to Sri Lanka in the final as well. Mithali Raj also mentioned that India have a great chance of doing well at the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup as well.

“My message to the Indian team would be to play good cricket, play hard cricket, and compete. I believe you all have a great chance because it’s in Bangladesh, a location with conditions that suit us. Our strengths have always been the spinners, and this time around our batting is also doing really well. So, good luck to you all,” Mithali Raj concluded.