India's captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, Is no longer affordable

India's captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, Is no longer affordable

Women's cricket in India is at a turning point. The team, once hailed as the next great force in world cricket, is now captained by a man whose leadership lacks the same spark as her erratic batting. The power hitter who once raised millions of people's hopes, Harmanpreet Kaur, now appears to be a burden to the team as a batter and a leader.

First, let's talk about her lack of captaincy. Harmanpreet consistently lacks the bravery, initiative, and poise required for leadership. Her strategy lacks vision during pivotal games when the opposition is in control. No effort is made to unite her players, and there is no sense of urgency to innovate. Instead, her notorious temper erupts as apparent frustration takes over.

 

One example is when she blamed a young Shreyanka Patil for giving up runs in a crucial over in her post-match remarks. A leader builds confidence, assumes responsibility, and protects her team. Her bowler was thrown under the bus by Harmanpreet. This was not a singular occurrence. When Deepti Sharma was reprimanded on the field, who can forget the tears she shed? Instead of inspiring, Harmanpreet's erratic leadership style demoralizes, divides, and intimidates.

Let's now discuss her batting performance. Since making an incredible 171* during the 2017 World Cup, Harmanpreet Kaur has changed significantly. Although every player experiences slumps, Harman's has become a protracted one. If she doesn't convert her innings, she leaves the team burdened. She starts slowly and eats up deliveries. The outcome? She is no longer there.

Even her standing as a world-renowned T20 player has suffered. The Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) shows no interest in her, which is a clear sign of her waning influence. The captain's absence is conspicuous in a format where Indian players are causing waves around the world. What does it say about her current form if foreign franchises don't see her worth?

Furthermore, her strategic acumen has been repeatedly revealed. There was no slip in place when Ashleigh Gardner was having trouble batting against Australia—an inexplicable oversight. Then there are the mistakes in selection. Players are unhappy with the playing XI's frequent chopping and switching. Harmanpreet isn't just a spectator here; she and coach Amol Muzumdar participate in these perplexing choices.

 Her humiliation off the field in Bangladesh is still regarded as one of the darkest periods in Indian cricket history. The cricket community was shocked when stumps were smashed, hosts were taunted, and umpires were asked to pose with the trophy. Harmanpreet's actions that day were unworthy of an Indian leader, as a captain represents the country as a whole, not just the team.

 Lastly, the outcomes are self-evident. India has twice lost the Asia Cup, a competition they used to own, under Harmanpreet's leadership. In terms of tactics and team spirit, her tenure has been characterized by regression rather than advancement.

It's time to pose challenging queries. Is Harmanpreet still deserving of being India's leader? Is it possible for a captain to represent Indian cricket without inspiring others with her words or her batting prowess? The selectors must act decisively. India cannot afford to let a talented team be held back by the complacency of one person.

Harmanpreet's time as captain is over, but she may still play a part as a batter. A captain who can lead with vision, responsibility, and grace is needed in Indian women's cricket. Harmanpreet does not currently provide any of these.