CALCUTTA (India): Veteran fast bowler Jhulan Goswami exuded confidence ahead of Indian team’s opening match against hosts Australia in the ICC T20 World Cup on Friday.
“India is one of the title contenders for the World Cup this time. The girls are in the thick of action and in good nick. They can do well as they are aware of the opposition’s strength and weaknesses,” Goswami told Khel Updates on Wednesday.
Goswami and Mithali Raj represent major absentees in India’s ranks, but captain Harmanpreet Kaur has backed her youngsters to fill the legends’ void.
Raj stepped away from T20I cricket last year while Goswami previously played in the format before the last ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, leaving India without arguably their best batter and bowler of this generation.
As part of the transition, the average age of their squad is 22.8 — with Kaur recognising the importance of her own switch in role from young talent to elder stateswoman.
“We already miss the experience they (Raj and Goswami) share with us, but these young girls are showing their talent and ability,” the 29-year-old told the media in Sydney.
Kaur, who was part of the side that finished runners-up in the 2017 World Cup, is well aware of what a long run in an ICC tournament can do for her country.
Goswami thanked Kaur for referring their names to the juniors in the squad.
“I’m very happy that Harman has remembered us. It’s a good feeling when junior respect and give importance to their seniors. I’m optimistic Harman, Smriti Mandhana, Poonam Yadav will do well,” said the 37-year-old, who retired from WT20Is in August, 2018. “Being a senior on the team is very important.”
The final is scheduled to be played on International Women’s Day on March 8 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
