Players need to hone skills, says WV Raman

India suffered a shocking defeat by one run in the final T20I of three-match series against England to lose the series 3-0. India Women team's head coach WV Raman said that the team needs to improve skills to avoid such defeats. "Basically, first they need to work a lot on their skills, once the development in terms of skills happen, then all other things come into play because tactically everybody is aware of what needs to be done, but tactics cannot be executed unless the technical base is good enough," Raman told reporters after the final T20I.

India was looking in complete comfort chasing a mediocre 120 runs with Mithali Raj holding the fort at one end. But the team was not able to chase three runs in the final over, as Mithali was left stranded at the other end. Kate Cross provided a heroic effort to take England over the line, as she dismissed Bharati Fulmali and Anuja Patil on successive deliveries to peg India back. Raman has said that Mithali came out to bat at number four as it gives the team much-needed experience in the middle.

"We had a chat about what is she comfortable doing and what suits the side as well. Since Harman was not here, we needed someone with experience in the middle order. That's the reason she stuck to her slot of four. Quite obviously, she also needs to be backed up by others. Unfortunately, that kind of support did not come. It is all a case of what a specific player can bring to the table and how it suits the team's needs. That's how things will happen," Raman told reporters. Raman said that he is not demented with India's loss in the T20 series against England and he is looking ahead to the future as there are many young players who can shape up the future of Indian cricket.

"It is just that the newcomers getting a little bit of experience to know what to do under a little bit of pressure and challenge. Once that improves, I think it will be a very good situation for us in the future. So I am not totally either sulking or mourning about it. From here on, the only way is up. That is the way I would look at it," Raman said. England, as a result of their win in the third and final T20I, defeated India 3-0. (ANI)

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