When Amol Muzumdar was appointed as the head coach of the Indian women’s team, there was hope. Hope that a seasoned domestic stalwart would bring structure, stability, and strategy to a team poised to dominate world cricket. Nearly a year into his tenure, however, that hope seems misplaced.
Inconsistent selections, lack of defined roles, a revolving door of debutants, and a startling absence of accountability have become the new normal. The World Cup is less than a year away, yet India look anything but ready. So, it’s time to ask some hard questions – ones Muzumdar must answer, not deflect with clichés and excuses.
Here are 10 pressing questions Indian cricket fans and, more importantly, the players deserve answers to:
- Why haven’t India played the same XI in consecutive games even once?
For a coach who emphasises preparation, how does endless tinkering build confidence? Cricket is a team sport, not a game of musical chairs. Players need rhythm, not roulette. If Muzumdar can’t settle on his best XI, how can the team be expected to settle on winning consistently?
- What’s the strategy behind debuting 7 players in ODIs in a year?
Seven debutants in one year! It sounds like a rebuilding project gone haywire. If India is “testing depth”, where’s the follow-up plan for these players? Are they being nurtured, or are they just names on a scoresheet? Constant debuts without continuity only spell chaos.
- Why was Titas Sadhu dropped after proving herself?
Titas Sadhu shone brightly against Australia, a team India struggles to beat. Yet, she was dropped for the Bangladesh series. Fast forward to the ongoing Australia series – she plays one match and is benched the next. What message does this send to a young bowler who is delivering? A coach is supposed to back talent, not sideline it without explanation.
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- Where are the “match-ups” and role definitions?
Modern cricket thrives on data-driven strategies, match-ups, and clearly defined roles. Yet, under Muzumdar, India seems to lack all three. Does the team have specific plans for opponents? Are batters and bowlers clear about their responsibilities? Judging by India’s inability to execute, the answer seems to be a resounding no.
- Why do India still field like amateurs?
The outfield remains a sore spot. Fielding, an aspect Muzumdar’s regime claims to prioritise, continues to let the team down. Angles aren’t cut, pressure isn’t applied, and half-chances go begging. So, what exactly happens in the fitness and fielding camps?
- How long will “experience” be India’s excuse for failure?
After losing to Australia, Muzumdar lamented India’s “lack of experience”. But here’s the irony: experience grows through opportunity and security, both of which are lacking under his leadership. How can players gain big-match experience when they are constantly benched or shuffled?
- Why do post-match press conferences sound like broken records?
“To be honest, we didn’t have much time together as a squad.”
“We were in the game till the last over.”
“We prepared thoroughly, but it’s disappointing.”
These are Muzumdar’s greatest hits. At some point, the excuses need to stop, and accountability needs to start. Fans don’t want generic platitudes; they want solutions.
- What exactly was the plan for the T20 World Cup?
Muzumdar referenced two “thorough” preparatory camps ahead of the T20 World Cup – one for fitness, one for skills. Yet, on the field, India looked far from prepared. Poor fielding, timid batting, and a lack of situational awareness cost them crucial games. So, was there an actual plan, or were the camps just glorified team outings?
- Is player insecurity a blind spot in this regime?
Cricket is a confidence game. Players need the belief that they belong in the XI and have the backing of the coach. But under Muzumdar, the constant chopping and changing has bred visible insecurity. Intent has been replaced by self-preservation. Is Muzumdar even aware of the psychological damage this causes?
- With a World Cup on the horizon, does India have a blueprint for success?
The million-dollar question: what is Muzumdar’s vision for this team? What blueprint is he following for the World Cup? Because right now, there seems to be no strategy, no planning, and no leadership.
It’s not easy being a coach. The pressure is immense, the spotlight relentless. But Muzumdar knew what he was signing up for. Indian women’s cricket has come too far to regress now, and the current decline is as disappointing as it is avoidable.
For the sake of the players and their hard-earned progress, Muzumdar must answer these questions. If he can’t, perhaps it’s time for Indian cricket to ask itself an even harder question: is Amol Muzumdar the right man for this job?
Also Read: Tampering, Insecurity and Excuses: Indian Women’s Cricket Stumbles Under Amol Muzumdar’s Leadership