Friday, Sep 29, 2023

Mithali has a big role to play: Shiv Sunder Das

New women’s batting coach says England tour will be a good challenge

By N Jagannath Das

Published Date - 11:50 PM, Sat - 22 May 21

Mithali has a big role to play: Shiv Sunder Das — Shiv Sunder Das

Hyderabad: The appointment of the diminutive Shiv Sunder Das as batting coach of the Indian women’s cricket team has got the stamp of approval amidst the controversy surrounding the unceremonious removal of main coach WV Raman.

The 43-year-old Odisha opener, who played in 23 Tests, is known for his discipline and hard work. This new role is a reward for his growing stature as a coach. He had toured with India A women’s team to Bangladesh and with the Emerging Team to Sri Lanka team.

“I have been touring with the women’s teams in the last two years and this new appointment is a great opportunity and a good challenge for me,’’ said Das, whose biggest plus point is that he has been working with Rahul Dravid at the NCA in Bengaluru for the last two years.

Even the ousted Raman gave thumbs up to Das’ appointment. But Das along with new head coach Ramesh Powar have the biggest challenge when they tour England, where apart from three one-dayers, they will play a one-off Test against the home team from June 16 to 20. But Das has a fair knowledge of the England conditions. “I have toured England in 2002 as a player with the Indian team. I have also played a lot of league cricket in England. Therefore I have got a fair idea of the conditions there. I’m aware that the Indian team will be playing Test cricket after a long gap.’’

Das pointed out that it is an opportunity for the women cricketers to play Test cricket. “A few ofthe batters, like Mithali Raj, have the experience of playing Test cricket. We have good batters like Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, who can score runs. To play against England and Australia is always a challenge. It is all about mental toughness and how you adjust to the conditions.’’

He said as a coach his role is to guide these young cricketers. “We have some quality players and we will have a few days of practice sessions before the Test match. Our challenge will be to prepare them for the match as many of them had not played Test cricket.’’

Das said the ball will move for sure. “But we have to assess the situation. The ball will move in England. It will be up to the batters to adjust to the conditions as quickly as possible. There will be opportunity to score runs once the condition improves. It is all about patience.
The new batting coach said skipper Mithali Raj will be the perfect role model for the young cricketers. “Mithali Raj has a big role to play and a lot of youngsters will look up to her. Her experience will count.’’

As for the pink-ball Test in Australia, it will be different. “I would say that it will be a good experience for the women cricketers.’’