ICC Women’s World T20: 3 reasons behind India's semi-final defeat

#1 Leaving out Mithali Raj

Mithali Raj could have made a difference with her experience

The most experienced and highest run scorer for India in the shortest format, Mithali Raj’s exclusion from the playing XI was the boldest decision the team management made. They stuck to the same playing XI which had beaten Australia the other day. However, the move backfired as the skipper and management felt immense pressure at the end of the match.

The slowness of the deck and pressure of the big match suits the batting style of Mithali Raj. A player of her calibre is hard to find. The right-hander bagged the Player of the Match award in both matches she got the chance to bat in the tournament.

Mithali's presence in the semi-final could have made a significant difference in the batting department as well as on the field to guide Harmanpreet Kaur. She is an asset to the team and cannot be left out at the crucial juncture of such a big tournament.