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Anjum Chopra has noted that India will have to quickly bounce back from the mauling at the hands of New Zealand in their first game of the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup. She added how skipper Harmanpreet Kaur recovers from the thrashing remains a question mark.
India were handed a 58-run drubbing by New Zealand in their Group A opener in Dubai on Friday, October 4. They will next face Pakistan at the same venue in a day game on Sunday, October 6.
In a video shared on her YouTube channel, Chopra pointed out that India need to register a resounding win against Pakistan for Harmanpreet to quickly forget the setback against New Zealand.
"The Indian team's target is extremely clear, firstly win the match against Pakistan. Secondly, if the Indian team bowls first, they will have to restrict Pakistan to less runs, so that they can chase the target quickly because this is the group of death," she said (6:25).
"The Indian team not only have to win but also keep their eyes on the net run rate. So they will have double pressure now. How Harmanpreet emerges from this is a question mark at the moment because if you keep repeating the same thing in the dressing room, it will seem boring. However, this is not boring," the former India captain added.
Chopra highlighted that all Indian players need to raise their game and win the match for their country.
"Everyone from No. 1 to No. 11 needs awakening here. You are playing for this team, there are expectations from you, but you also need to perform. There are no prices for just participating. You will have to score runs, pick up wickets, and win your team the match because there is no way back from here," she observed.
The Women in Blue gave a disappointing bowling and fielding performance, allowing Sophie Devine and company to set a challenging 161-run target for them. Their batters were also found wanting as they were bundled out for 102.
"You will have to go with the same selected players" - Anjum Chopra on potential changes to India's playing XI
In the same video, Anjum Chopra opined that India would have to go with the same playing XI.
"The pressure will be on the batting department and it will be much more this time, and how they emerge from that pressure is a question at the moment. You cannot change too many things. You will have to go with the same selected players because they are your chosen best players," she said (5:40).
India went a batter short against New Zealand, leaving out Yastika Bhatia and playing six frontline bowlers. With Pooja Vastrakar bowling just a solitary over, it remains to be seen if they bolster the batting by leaving out a bowler.
