Mithali Raj calls for leadership change in Indian women’s cricket
Former Indian cricketer Mithali Raj has called for a change in the leadership of the women’s cricket team after their disappointing 2024 T20 World Cup campaign. The former captain has backed Jemimah Rodrigues as a possible replacement for current captain Harmanpreet Kaur, believing that it is the right time to transition to younger leadership.
Harmanpreet, who succeeded Mithali as captain in 2020, has had a reasonably successful tenure, but not without controversy. Under his leadership, India reached the final of the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the semi-finals of the 2023 T20 World Cup. However, his captaincy has been criticized at times, especially for inconsistent decisions at critical moments.
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India’s hopes of World Cup glory ended with a group stage exit.
India’s performance in the tournament was a mixed bag, starting with a tough 58-run loss to New Zealand that set a defiant tone. However, the team bounced back with impressive victories, defeating Pakistan by 6 wickets and Sri Lanka by 82 runs, proving their resilience.
Despite these successes, a subsequent loss to Australia in the group stage complicated their chances of advancing. To make matters worse, New Zealand’s victory over Pakistan finally sealed the fate of the four Asian teams, resulting in their elimination from the tournament before the knockout rounds.
Time to change
Speaking to PTI, Mithali emphasized the need for a leadership change now, much before the next ODI World Cup in October 2025.
Mithali’s comments reflect a growing sentiment among fans and pundits for a leadership revamp, with many believing the transition could revitalize the team. As the Indian women’s team looks ahead to future tournaments, including the ODI World Cup in 2025, selectors face a crucial decision on whether to stick with Harmanpreet or move forward with a younger leader like Rodrigues.
She said: “If the selectors decide to change, I would pick a young captain. This is the time to change; If it delays any longer, we will have another ODI World Cup on the horizon (October 2025). If you don’t do it now, don’t do it later. So we are too close to the World Cup. Smriti is there, but I think someone like Jemimah Rodrigues, who is 24 and young, will serve you more.”
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Jemimah has made significant strides in T20 cricket over the past year, excelling in both international matches and franchise competitions. While his performance in the T20 World Cup may not have resulted in high scores, his intent with the bat and his commitment on the field have been commendable. Additionally, her strong bond with her teammates positions her as a promising future leader within the team.
Smriti Mandhana is another key contender, and her leadership led RCB to win the 2024 Women’s Premier League title, further enhancing their credentials. While he continues to shine on the field, he could also emerge as a possible replacement for Harmanpreet Kaur in the leadership role.