All-rounder Sneh Rana emphasized that the team has displayed significant character by staying united through a challenging Women’s World Cup journey so far. She stated that India is prepared to challenge seven-time champions Australia on Sunday.
India enters this match after a disappointing three-wicket loss to South Africa on Thursday.
“That’s the beauty of this team. When things don’t go your way, it defines the character of everyone. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. But bouncing back together is important,” said Rana during the pre-match press conference on Saturday.
“We reviewed the result against South Africa, regrouped, and planned how to improve and take the positives from it. Now, we focus on the next game,” she added.
Rana acknowledged
Australia’s strength but was confident in her team’s ability to compete strongly.
“They are definitely the strongest competitor. But we are approaching the game with a positive mindset. We have played against them before and defeated them. So, the confidence is very high. Our planning is solid, and everyone is clear about their role,” she said.
Rana noted the Indian top-order batters have yet to perform as expected in the tournament but expressed confidence in their ability to rebound.
“I don’t think it is a big concern because our batters have handled everything well in the past. Ups and downs are part of the game. We have some of the best batters in the world, and it is just a matter of time before they bounce back,” she said.
She mentioned that the Indian batters are working diligently on various aspects of their game, such as strike rotation.
“Everyone knows where they need to improve. So, everyone is training individually to address those areas. Regarding strike-rate, it has been a focus for some time. I think everyone is aware of it personally, and as a team, we are working towards improving it,” she said.
Rana herself has contributed to a couple of late-order rescue efforts with the bat in this tournament. She added 88 runs for the seventh wicket with Richa Ghosh, helping India post 251 from a precarious 102 for six against South Africa.
Rana mentioned she has been working on her batting in recent months.
“Personally, I have been working on my batting because I might be needed to handle a situation with the bat. So, I always prepare for that cameo. I have focused a lot on my hard-hitting skills in the past few months,” she said.
The 31-year-old off-spinner did not reveal the team’s plans regarding a sixth bowling option against Australia but commented on the bowlers’ performance so far in the ICC tournament.
“That is a decision for the management. We already have very good bowlers. Even Pratika Rawal and Harmanpreet Kaur can bowl. We know how to handle various situations. But I am very pleased with our bowlers. They dragged the match to the last over against South Africa, showing they adapted well. Yes, we could have performed better in the last five overs, but we are now looking forward to the next game,” she added.
(With agency inputs)
