GUWAHATI, Aug 27: As India prepare to begin their Women’s Asia Cup campaign in Dubai, former India cricketer Gargi Banerjee believes the team possesses a near-perfect blend of experience and emerging talent—but feels the pace attack remains the one area that could raise questions.
Speaking exclusively to The Meghalayan Express, Banerjee said India’s biggest strength is the sheer quality and depth available across the squad, with a combination of established stars and exciting young players giving the side an enviable balance.
“India’s biggest strength is the quality and pure talent in the team. We have young players like Sricharani, Pratika and Kranti, along with huge experience in Harman, Smriti, Deepti, Richa and Shafali. We are going to miss Jemimah, but the combination of the team is still well balanced,” Banerjee said.
For Banerjee, the presence of both experienced campaigners and emerging players makes India one of the strongest teams in the competition.
“As far as cricket performance is concerned, this combination of senior and young stars is among the best in the world. The batting and spin combination is superb,” she said.
However, Banerjee believes India’s pace bowling will deserve close attention once the tournament gets underway. With conditions in Dubai expected to test the bowlers as matches progress, she feels much could depend on how Kranti Gaud handles the responsibility.
“The only concern is the pace attack. Kranti Gaud—can she make the difference? That will be something to watch,” Banerjee said.
The former India cricketer, however, does not believe the toss should become a major concern for India given the overall balance of the squad. Whether India bat or bowl first, she feels the team has enough resources to adapt.
“Whether we bat or bowl first, it doesn’t matter because we have the best combination. If we bat first, the scoreboard should look decent and then we can fight when we come to bowl. Either way, India have the resources,” she said.
Banerjee also expects the Dubai conditions to play an important role in determining how teams approach their matches. According to her, the surface could reward batters early before becoming increasingly challenging as the game progresses.
“The Dubai pitch is slow and dry. Batting will be easier in the first part, but it will become tricky later as the ball grips. Pacers can do well with the new ball in the initial stage, while spinners will come into play as the game progresses,” she explained.
That, she believes, will leave an important tactical decision in the hands of India captain Harmanpreet Kaur and the coaching staff.
“Now it totally depends on the captain and coach what they choose,” Banerjee added.
India enter the Asia Cup with considerable expectations, but Banerjee’s assessment points to a side that has the depth to handle different match situations. The presence of experienced players such as Harmanpreet, Smriti, Deepti, Richa and Shafali provides stability, while the emergence of younger talents gives the team another dimension.
The key question, however, could be whether India’s pace department can complement their formidable batting and spin resources.
If Kranti Gaud and the pace unit can provide the early breakthroughs in Dubai, India’s already strong spin options could become increasingly influential as the pitches slow down.
For India, the formula therefore appears clear: build a strong platform with the bat, exploit the new ball with pace and then allow the spinners to dictate terms as the match progresses.
With experience, youth, batting depth and a formidable spin combination on their side, Banerjee believes India have all the ingredients to make a serious push for the Asia Cup title. The only question is whether the pace attack can rise to the occasion when India need it most.
