India head coach Amol Muzumdar is not too bothered by the side’s recent form in T20Is and wanted his team to play “aggressive” cricket at the Women’s T20 Asia Cup, where the Women in Blue will open their campaign against Thailand on Sunday.
India faces a key reality check in the shortest format, especially after failing to make it out of the group stage at the T20 World Cup earlier this year. The side has lost nine of its 16 T20Is this year.
“We don’t pay too much attention to the form. You are talking about 16 T20Is in the last six months. But at the same time, we know what scope of improvement this team has got,” Muzumdar told reporters on Saturday.
“There is a huge scope of improvement. There is a young side. I think, if you look at it, we are trying to play some good cricket, good aggressive cricket.
“And from here on, we will try and set the tone for the next six months.”
Muzumdar said spinners could play a key role in the humid Dubai conditions.
“I think they are crucial. Spinners definitely are crucial. We have got a variety of spinners in this side. Looking forward to it. They should be up and running.
“In a couple of sessions, we have seen that the pitches have got a little bit of help for the spinners as well. So, I guess some good signs for us. Of course, we focus on the game.”
On Asian Games reparation
When asked about preparations for the Asian Games, which will be held in September-October in Japan, Muzumdar said the team had a productive 15-day camp at the Centre of Excellence.
“We had a fantastic camp at the Centre of Excellence. A 15-day camp which was well taken care of by the SNC. We worked really hard on our fitness. We worked terribly hard on the fielding part as well. As I said, there is some scope for improvement,” he said.
The coach also acknowledged the absence of key player Jemimah Rodrigues, who was earlier ruled out of the Asia Cup and the Asian Games due to injury.
“Look, speaking about Jemimah, I have always maintained that she is a clutch player for us. She will definitely be missed,” Muzumdar said.
“But then, having said that, her recovery is very important for us. Her rehab is well taken care of at the Centre of Excellence in Bangalore. And I think, yeah, she will be missed.
“But there are some other players who have come into the team and I am sure they will do well. But having said that, Jemimah will be missed.”
(With PTI inputs)
Published on Aug 29, 2026
