Thiruvananthapuram: India’s head coach Amol Muzumdar expressed confidence in his team as they prepare to face Sri Lanka in the third match of their ongoing five-match T20I series. The reigning ODI world champions have taken a solid 2-0 lead in the series, winning the first two matches by eight and seven wickets respectively in Visakhapatnam. With an eye on the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled for next year in the UK, Muzumdar indicated that the team is experimenting with new strategies to ensure they are well-prepared.
Muzumdar emphasized the importance of establishing a stable foundation, noting, “We tried to be as settled as possible during the ODI World Cup as well. Six months down the line there is a T20 World Cup and we are very well aware of certain things, what we need to do and in what direction we want our T20 side to take.” He highlighted the importance of continuous improvement in various aspects of the game, including fitness, as part of their progression as a team.
Following their recent ODI World Cup triumph, Muzumdar remarked on the positive atmosphere within the squad. “They seemed to be more happy on the ground. It’s a good place to be in,” he noted, attributing a pleasant sense of confidence among the players to their recent success.
While excited about their potential, Muzumdar also reminded his players of the strength of their opponents, stating, “Sri Lanka is a very good side, there is no doubt about it. Every opponent we look at it as a challenge.” He underscored the necessity of treating every team with equal respect, despite their current successful form.
As for the team’s lineup, Muzumdar has yet to finalize the playing XI, expressing a desire to assess the pitch conditions thoroughly before making decisions. “We will decide the playing XI on the morning,” he added, indicating their commitment to adapt based on the day’s conditions.
With their strong performance so far, optimism runs high for India as they aim to seal the series victory against Sri Lanka in the upcoming match.