India women's tour of New Zealand: Coach Powar plays down ODI series defeat ahead of World Cup- No concern at all
India Today
India women's tour of New Zealand: Head coach Ramesh Powar conceded that the bowlers have been inconsistent in the ODI series so far but expressed confidence that the team return to form ahead of the World Cup. India conceded a 3-0 unbeatable lead to the hosts in the 5-match series on Friday.
India women's team coach Ramesh Powar on Friday played down the ODI series defeat in New Zealand, saying he is confident an improved showing, especially from their bowlers in the World Cup in March.
India women suffered their 4th straight defeat on their tour of New Zealand on Friday. After losing the lone-T20I, India needed a victory in the 3rd ODI earlier in the day to keep their hopes alive in the 5-match ODI series. However, despite posting their highest-ever total ODis against New Zealand -- 279, India lost the match in Queenstown by 3 wickets.
Powar attributed the performances to lack of game time due to Covid-19 in the lead up to their tour of New Zealand and expressed confidence that the players will be able to shake off rustiness sooner than later.
"We had only three days of practice sessions ahead of tour. You cannot get into a competitive series like against New Zealand in such less time. So, there will be some rustiness in the players' approach," Powar said.
"There is no concern at all, I'm not concerned about anything. After Australia, we did not play any game as a team. We came straight to NZ. When you want to address few issues about batting, fielding and bowling, you need to play as a group before a series which did not happen."
Powar admitted that batting has clicked on this tour but there has been "inconsistencies" in bowling department but expected that things will be sorted out before the World Cup starts next month.
"Batting has clicked. From England tour to where we are now. We have scored 270, 280. In Australia also, we have scored 260, 270 so batting unit has done its job," said Powar, adding that opening batter Smriti Mandhana will be available from the next game after coming out of quarantine on Tuesday.
