Last Update: February 24, 2023, 19:00 IST
Former skipper Diana Edulji has no qualms in saying that the India U-19 players fielded better in the victorious T20I. World The cup campaign compared to the efforts of the seniors in South Africa and looks like most of them will struggle if the ‘yo yo’ test becomes mandatory in women’s cricket.
Edulji, who was part of the Supreme Court-appointed committee that ran the BCCI for 33 months, was amazed by Fielding’s effort. India In the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup on Thursday in Cape Town.
Speaking to PTI, Edulji said that poor fitness levels were responsible for the team’s mediocre fielding and running between the wickets. He also thought that skipper Harmanpreet Kaur was accidental during the second run, before her bat got caught in the ground and the game-changing run-out.
Read also: Pat Cummins will not play third Test, Steve Smith becomes Australia’s captain
With another T20 World Cup due in September next year, Edulji wants the BCCI to appoint permanent support staff in the women’s team and not recruit personnel from the NCA on an ad hoc basis.
“Most Will Fail the Yo Yo Test”
Edulji criticized the fitness level of the current team, saying that the victorious U-19 World Cup winning team is looking fit.
“I found the U-19 team more fit than the seniors. He didn’t choke in the final. From 2017 to 2023 (for the senior team) it is the same old story.
He said, ‘BCCI should properly assess the fitness of the players. I know the yo yo test is a bit difficult for women. 12 out of 15 will fail that test but you have a different criteria for them for acceptable fitness standards. Right now there is no accountability on this front.
Read also: Deepak Chahar hopes to emulate ‘No.1 all-rounder’ Hardik Pandya
India were poor in their fielding and catching while Australia were brilliant, making the difference in the end.
“You are definitely looking at an overhaul (in terms of planning and preparation after the World Cup loss). He needs to improve his fitness first, his fielding, his catching while running between the wickets. Unless you have strength in your legs, you will not be able to run.
“They need absolute batsmen (BCCI needs to crack the whip) to reach the top. You are getting everything from BCCI including level playing field.
“Every time you lose a winning game, it is a habit. BCCI has to take a tough decision and not bow down to the demands of the players.
“Make a proper strategy for the future. We have had enough of this star culture. It will not work like this,” Edulji said.
get the latest cricket news Here
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)