The implosion in the Indian women’s cricket team cannot be sidelined because it surely will cost India a good go at T20
A few months after the Indian women’s cricket team gave it a good shot by chasing the One-Day World Cup at the Lord’s with record viewership, the team has seemingly imploded with star player Mithali Raj and former coach and one-time occasional spinner for the Indian Test team, Romesh Powar, falling out spectacularly. Into this mess stepped in former Indian women’s Test player Diana Edulji, who is also a member of the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators that oversees the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI). Raj alleged that she was dropped for the semi-finals against England for no valid reason whatsoever. On the other, Powar went on record, claiming that Raj was difficult to work with. His statements have been backed by Edulji. At the same time, rumours are swirling that there was a complete breakdown in the relationship between Raj and several of her teammates, particularly Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain of the T20 side.
It is believed that some of the most talented athletes have huge egos and it is the job of the coach to manage them, particularly in team sports. There is no doubt that leaving Raj out of the side that faced England in the semi-finals might have been fatal to India’s chances, even if Kaur stood out as the new superstar in Indian women’s cricket. There is little doubt that Powar failed as a coach and it is emerging that Edulji has had contradictory views in the past. Meanwhile, the BCCI is trying to figure out how Raj’s explosive letter was leaked to the Press. Powar has not been given an extension to the temporary role he held as women’s team coach and this controversy might rule him out of the job in the long-term. Raj herself realises that she is on the last lap of an illustrious career and while this controversy was needless and was fuelled by egos, she is almost certain to have a great career ahead in the commentary box. However, the Indian women’s team could have done without the controversy if it is to achieve success. Frankly, nothing sells like success in sports. Cricket itself may not have become the sport in India without the stunning event at the Lord’s in 1983. And a great team is one that puts aside personal egos, rivalries and what not to achieve that success. On that front, not only did Powar fail as a coach but so did Raj and Kaur as players. Without a trophy to their name, the Indian women’s cricket team cannot demand a women’s Indian Premier League and inspire more girls to take up the sport.