We miss Mithali, Jhulan but will focus on T20 World Cup: Harmanpreet

Still not over the disappointment of missing a world title in 2017, India captain Harmanpreet Singh has set her sights on the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup trophy as she feels her team has grown substantially to be among the top contenders.

India women came tantalisingly close to winning the ICC ODI World Cup three years back, losing to hosts England by nine runs in the final.

Harmanpreet said India are looking to make the most of the experience of the last three years.

“Our team is growing day by day, everyone is looking so positive,” Harmanpreet said as all the 10 skippers gathered for the captain’s media launch at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney on Monday (February 17).

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“It’s going to be very big if we win, I was very surprised at all the reaction from 2017. My parents didn’t tell me, they didn’t want us to feel the pressure. If we win, it’s going to be very big for us. We will try to give our best,” she added.

Even as the team misses the expertise of former skipper Mithali Raj and experience of Jhulan Goswami, Harmanpreet asserted that her young side has grown substantially to be a top contender for this month’s tournament.

“We already miss the experience they share with us, but these young girls and showing their talent and ability,” said the 29-year-old.

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Mithali retired from T20 cricket last year while Goswami previously played in the format before the 2018 edition. The average age of India’s squad in Australia is 22.8 with Harmanpreet being among the seasoned ones.

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup will open with the mouth-watering clash between India and defending champions and hosts Australia in Adelaide on February 21.

“In the last two years, I’ve gone from being the youngest one to one of the oldest in the team. They (her teammates) never show us that they’re young, they can always do what we expect of them. The team is looking in really good shape and showing what they can do with extra responsibility,” she said.

(With inputs from agencies)