India Worries About Harmanpreet Kaur's Struggling Form Ahead of T20 World Cup Warm-up.

Harmanpreet Kaur, who has faced inconsistent performance in the past few years, couldn't reverse the trend during a busy five-week period. The culmination of this stretch saw India lose the decisive third T20I by seven runs.

Annabel Sutherland jubilates after dismissing Harmanpreet Kaur in the 3rd T20 International Match between India (women) and Australia (women). Photo credit: cricfit

India's recent series loss against Australia has been a source of disappointment for cricket enthusiasts. Adding to the concern is the form of captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who has struggled for consistency in the past couple of years. Unfortunately, her recent performances during a demanding five-week period, culminating in India's loss in the decisive third T20I by seven runs, have raised further questions.

In the latest match, Harmanpreet managed to score only three runs before falling victim to an Annabel Sutherland slower delivery. This has unfortunately become a familiar pattern for the Indian captain. Apart from her two innings in the recent Test against England, Harmanpreet has been unable to find her form consistently, leading to less-than-ideal results.

India's head coach, Amol Muzumdar, expressed satisfaction with the team's overall performance in the first month of his tenure. Despite Harmanpreet's recent struggles, Muzumdar offered his support, acknowledging that such phases happen to every cricketer. He remains confident that the talented player will bounce back with noteworthy performances in the near future.

After the recent series loss against Australia, Harmanpreet Kaur is set to return to domestic cricket, participating in the upcoming inter-zonal tournament and the Women’s Premier League. However, the true test awaits her closer to the T20 World Cup scheduled for September.

Alyssa Healy, Harmanpreet's counterpart from Australia, expressed surprise at being named the player of the series. She candidly admitted that Harmanpreet's struggles in ODIs and T20Is were more a result of her own form rather than Australia's strategic planning. The acknowledgment highlights the challenges Harmanpreet faces as she prepares for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Harmanpreet Kaur and Alyssa Healy Exchange Handshakes After Women's T20I Series Match Two Between India and Australia. | Photo Credit: Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images

Alyssa Healy remarked on Harmanpreet Kaur's recent struggles, pointing out that she got dismissed often while attempting the sweep shot, a shot she traditionally excels at. Healy suggested that Harmanpreet's challenges may be attributed to her current form.

Healy acknowledged that Harmanpreet has faced two demanding series consecutively, and the current series has been particularly lengthy. While there were no specific plans in place against her, Healy emphasized the need for alertness when Harmanpreet steps onto the crease. She credited their bowlers for effectively containing Harmanpreet during the matches.