The Indian women's cricket team is gearing up for the T20 Women's World Cup 2024 with a focused approach to enhancing their mental strength and athletic abilities. Having faltered in past ICC finals without winning a major title, the team has turned to psychologist Dr Mugdha Bavare for support. The squad undertook a short camp in Bengaluru instead of participating in international matches, which included several intra-squad T20 games but no emphasis on traditional skills practice.
Head coach Amol Muzumdar highlighted the importance of addressing mental aspects alongside physical training. He expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the camp, where players were encouraged to communicate openly about their feelings and challenges, a sentiment echoed by captain Harmanpreet Kaur. The sessions aimed to foster a supportive environment crucial for team performance.
The camp also included fitness training, yoga, and psychological sessions, positioning the players to tackle specific areas needing improvement. Kaur reflected on the team's past performances, where they played well but stumbled in critical moments, such as in the Asia Cup final. The focus remains on learning from these experiences and ensuring they maintain strong performances throughout the World Cup.
Despite the lack of competitive game time leading up to the tournament, Muzumdar reassured that the team had focused on crucial areas of development. He noted that their training sessions mirrored competitive scenarios, helping to prepare the players adequately.
The team faced a last-minute venue change from Bangladesh to the UAE due to regional unrest, with adjustments made to their preparation plans accordingly. India will kick off their World Cup campaign on October 4 against New Zealand, competing in a challenging group that includes Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Australia.