India’s decision to not include Mithali Raj for a crucial ICC Women’s World T20 semi-final against England seemed to have backfired when the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side were beaten by 8 wickets with 17 balls to go. It was the second match in a row that India had played without the experienced batsman.
Asked to comment on the decision to not play her in the semi-final, Harmanpreet said that she has “no regrets” as it was decision taken keeping team’s interests in mind. At the toss, which India won, Harmanpreet said: “It’s not about not selecting Mithali, it’s about keeping a winning combination.” India collapsed from 89/2 at one stage to be bowled out for 112 runs with eight wickets falling for 24 runs.
“Whatever we decided, we decided for the team. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, no regrets. I’m proud of the way my girls played through the tournament,” Harmanpreet said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
“We did really well against Australia, and that is the reason we just wanted to go with the same combination,” she explained at the press conference. “She (Mithali) opens. We need someone after Smriti (Mandhana) and me who can bat for us. Sometimes you click, sometimes it doesn’t click.”
