Mithali Raj Calls for Leadership Change in Indian Women’s Cricket
Former Indian cricketer Mithali Raj has called for a change in the leadership of the women’s cricket team after their disappointing campaign at the 2024 T20 World Cup. The ex-captain has endorsed Jemimah Rodrigues as a potential replacement for current skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, believing the time is right to transition to younger leadership.
Harmanpreet, who succeeded Mithali as captain in 2020, has had a reasonably successful tenure but not without controversy. Under her leadership, India reached the finals of the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the semi-finals of the 2023 T20 World Cup. However, her captaincy has come under fire at times, especially for inconsistent decisions in critical moments.
ALSO READ: Harmanpreet Kaur’s captaincy future hangs in the balance after Women’s T20 World Cup debacle
India’s performance in the tournament was a mixed bag, beginning with a heavy 58-run defeat to New Zealand that set a challenging tone. However, the team bounced back with impressive wins, defeating Pakistan by 6 wickets and Sri Lanka by 82 runs, showcasing their resilience.
Despite these successes, a subsequent loss to Australia in the group stage complicated their chances of advancing. To make matters worse, New Zealand’s victory over Pakistan ultimately sealed the fate of all four Asian teams, resulting in their elimination from the tournament before the knockout rounds.
Speaking to PTI, Mithali emphasized the need for a leadership shift now, well in advance of the next ODI World Cup in October 2025.
Mithali’s remarks reflect growing sentiment among fans and experts for a leadership refresh, with many believing that the transition could revitalize the team. As the Indian women’s team eyes future tournaments, including the ODI World Cup in 2025, the selectors face a crucial decision on whether to stick with Harmanpreet or move forward with a younger leader like Rodrigues.
She said,”If the selectors decide to change, I would go for a young captain. This is the time to change, if you delay more then we have another ODI World Cup on the horizon (October 2025). If you are not doing it now, then don’t do it later. Then it is too close to the World Cup. Smriti is there but I think someone like Jemimah Rodrigues, she’s 24, she’s young, she will serve you more.”
Also Read: 5 New Zealand Players who can Challenge India in the Test Series
Jemimah has been making significant strides in T20 cricket over the past year, excelling in both international matches and franchise competitions. While her performance in the T20 World Cup may not have resulted in high scores, her intent with the bat and commitment on the field have been commendable. Furthermore, her strong bond with teammates positions her as a promising future leader within the team.
Smriti Mandhana is another key contender, with her leadership leading RCB to a title win in the 2024 Women’s Premier League, further enhancing her credentials. As she continues to shine on the field, she could also emerge as a potential replacement for Harmanpreet Kaur in the leadership role.
