Harmanpreet Kaur, in terrible batting form, takes advice from a former team-mate

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s struggles with the bat have once again come under the spotlight at the Women’s World T20 Cup, and former teammate Shikha Pandey believes the skipper’s solution may be simpler than it seems.

Ahead of India’s must-win clash against Bangladesh, Shikha urged Harmanpreet to stop worrying about wickets falling around her and get back to the aggressive style that has defined her career.

India are under pressure after their defeat to South Africa in Manchester, with questions over the form of several senior batsmen. Harmanpreet’s strike rate in the middle overs proved to be a particular problem, with the skipper often looking caught between rebuilding the innings and accelerating the scoring.

Speaking to JioStar about the game plan, Shikha said the Indian skipper is at her best when she trusts her instincts rather than trying to carry the burden of the innings.

“Harman should stop thinking about the wickets that have fallen and not try to rebuild them,” said Shikha. “When Harmanpreet Kaur plays, she is a completely different player.

The former India pacer added that once Harmanpreet settles in at the crease, few players in women’s cricket can match her range against spin bowling.

“Once she’s set up, we’ll see those straight drives and those shots over deep mid-wicket. She’s excellent against spinners, so if she can set up, it’ll be great for India,” she explained.

SHOULD INDIA CHANGE THE BURNING ORDER?

Shikha also suggested that India consider a minor change in the batting order to help their captain. She suggested promoting Harmanpreet to No. 4 and moving Jemimah Rodrigues down a spot.

The discussion about India’s batting also included Jemima’s recent form. Former India batsman Veda Krishnamurthy has backed the youngster to continue at No.3, arguing that clarity of role is often as important as technique.

“For Jemimah, I’d still like to see her bat at number three. Just give her one role because it’s a lot easier to prepare that way,” Veda said.

As India enter a crucial phase of the tournament, Harmanpreet’s form remains central to their hopes. The skipper has repeatedly bailed India out of difficult situations over the years, but for that to happen again, Shikha believes he must first free himself from the responsibility of constant rebuilding and reinvent the fearless batsman who has won India countless matches.

– The end

Issued by:

Kingshuk Kusari

Published on:

June 24, 2026 5:37 PM IST