Harmanpreet Kaur On India Being 'Behind Australia', Rising Star Shafali Verma

India women’s team reached their maiden T20 World Cup final but were outclassed by Australia, who have made winning in big matches look easy. It was a positive result for Team India and Harmanpreet Kaur’s women can take a lot of heart from it.

In an interview to Mirror, Harmanpreet Kaur spoke about the athleticism of her side and the find-of-the-tournament Shafali Verma.

India 5-6 years behind Australia in athleticism

It would be unfair to blame the women-in-blue as they grew up to become one of finest side in international cricket amid lack of support. India dropped a few catches in the T20 World Cup final which in a way cost them the match.

India women’s team captain Harmanpreet Kaur believes her nation are at least 5-6 years behind Australia in terms of athleticism. She feels so because a side like Australia had an old and robust system while for India it’s still in the beginning stage.

“These teams you spoke about have a pretty old and robust cricket culture. India has just started getting required facilities. As we keep improving on domestic level, the performance at international level will improve. That is why I said we are five-six years behind these teams,” Harmanpreet Kaur said. 

Harmanpreet Kaur on Shafali Verma

Young Shafali Verma was the find of the tournament for India. She got her hands on a player-of-the-match award to become the youngest player to be awarded the same in the T20 World Cup. She also rose to become the top ranked batter in the shortest format.

Kaur believes the teenager wants freedom and space. There is no point giving her instructions as she likes to enjoy her game.

“There was no point giving her gyan and restricting her natural game. She was in a good zone. When a player is getting runs, she should not be disturbed much,” Kaur said.