As India’s women’s cricket team gears up to face New Zealand in the first of three ODIs at the magnificent Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday, coach Amol Muzumdar exudes a quiet confidence. Having witnessed the stadium’s development from his childhood, he’s excited to be back on familiar ground and expects the pitch to offer a great surface for batting. “We practised on the centre pitch, and it looked a good one,” said Muzumdar. “This is a magnificent stadium, and the players are looking forward to it.”
The series marks a chance for India to bounce back after a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign. While acknowledging the recent struggles, Muzumdar is quick to remind everyone of the team’s strengths, highlighting their dominant 3-0 victory against South Africa earlier this year and their impressive ODI track record. “At the same time, we should not forget that we won 3-0 against South Africa,” he said. “And we have done well in the past in the ODIs.”
Looking ahead to the series against New Zealand, who arrive in India fresh off their T20 World Cup triumph in Dubai, Muzumdar acknowledges the challenge they face. “It will be a well-fought series against New Zealand,” he said. “I want to congratulate the New Zealand team. They will be confident after their win, but this is a different series and different venue as well.”
With the familiar surroundings of the Narendra Modi Stadium at their backs, and a coach brimming with confidence, India’s women’s team is set to take on the World Champions in a series that promises to be fiercely contested.