'It's a great opportunity to build a team' - Harmanpreet Kaur optimistic ahead of Sri Lanka tour

Indian Women skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has emphasized the fact that the upcoming series against neighbors Sri Lanka will be an ideal platform for the youngsters and the right time for the pacers to grab the opportunities. The Women in Blue’s new ODI skipper and head coach will be looking to find the perfect balance for the Indian team as they look to prepare for the upcoming Commonwealth Games starting next month and the T20 World Cup next year in South Africa.

It must be noted that the veteran pacer Jhulan Goswami, Shikha Pandey, and all-rounder Sneh Rana have been dropped from the Indian squad. Meanwhile, some experienced players including Deepti Sharma, Poonam Yadav, and Rajeshwari Gayakwad have been named in the Indian squad for the Lanka tour. Among pacers, Pooja Vastrakar, Meghna Singh, and Renuka Singh among others have been included in the squad. Both neighbors will play three T20Is in Dambulla followed by as many ODIs. The tour will start on June 23.

This is the time they can take responsibility: Harmanpreet Kaur on India’s bowling attack

“I think if we talk about our bowling unit, this is the time they can take responsibility and this tour will be the ideal platform for them to perform. We will take the charge and bowl [they’re] full quota [of overs]. For me, it’s a great opportunity where you can build a good team. Sri Lanka is not going to be an easy tour for us. So, it’s important [to ensure that] whatever we are planning we go and deliver. That’s what as a unit we are looking forward to,” Harmanpreet said at a virtual press conference on Saturday.

“When you move forward in a transition period, you need to give opportunities to young players to cement their place. For that as support staff, we need to go and give them support through NCA and skill coaches that they should concur in every situation. So, this is the right time for players to take their opportunity and do well going forward,” said Indian head coach Ramesh Powar.