The 1983 World Cup changed the way men’s cricket was looked at in India. Do you think even women’s cricket needs a World Cup victory now to get to the next level?
Definitely, a World Cup victory will take women’s cricket to the next level. We have the right mix of players and support staff that can help us achieve that. If we can win the World Cup next year, it will give a lot more confidence to those who’re willing to help us, and to us as players to think more positively. Even youngsters who’re willing to play cricket will embrace the game easily.

What is your take on the coach and the support staff that the national team currently has?
We have a good support staff and a new coach in Shanta Rangaswamy. Sudha Shah, the earlier coach, was also good and we were consistent in our performances. The support staff has been good in terms of the assistance we get before or during tours. As a fielding coach, Atul Gaekwad has been of huge help. He has helped us understand a few technical aspects and that has made our practice sessions much better.

These days, there is a lot of demand for coaches with experience at the highest level, someone like John Harmer, who coached England. Do you believe in having a foreign coach or somebody who’s done a bit of Level-3 training?
The point is, whoever comes as the coach, there should be a level of confidence between the coach and the players. This was precisely what we enjoyed during Sudha’s time and even now, when Shanta’s in charge as coach. No doubt, these Level 1 or Level 3 coaches can be good but so are the coaches under whom we’ve played. They’re highly experienced and, most importantly, there is mutual trust.

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