“It hurts but also makes us more hungry” - Shreyanka Patil reflects as India fails to qualify for 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final

Indian bowler Shreyanka Patil took to social media on Wednesday, October 16, to address fans after the team failed to qualify for the semi-finals of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side lost their opening match against New Zealand but bounced back with victories over Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

In their final group-stage match, the Women in Blue faced Australia in a do-or-die clash, needing to chase down 152 runs but fell short by nine runs. Meanwhile, New Zealand secured a win against Pakistan, eliminating India from the tournament.

As the 2020 finalists were unable to reach the semi-finals, spinner Shreyanka shared a message for the fans, expressing that the team is hurt but will come back stronger. She wrote:

"We fell short of what we set out to do. It hurts but also makes us more hungry. Really appreciate all your love, all your criticism and thank you all for being there! We will work harder, get better and come back stronger! The dream to win a World Cup for India remains!”

Meanwhile, Australia, New Zealand, West Indies, and South Africa have secured their spots in the semi-finals of the ongoing 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup.

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"If they are looking to change, this would be the ideal time" - Mithali Raj on appointing a new captain for the Indian women’s team

Harmanpreet Kaur's captaincy has come under scrutiny following India's early exit from the 2024 Women’s World Cup. In an interview with PTI, former captain Mithali Raj remarked that if the BCCI and selectors are contemplating a new captain, this is the perfect opportunity to make that decision.

Mithali noted:

“It's up to BCCI and the selectors to take a call but If they are looking to change, this would be the ideal time because if you delay more then we have another World Cup on the horizon (2025 ODI WC). If you are not doing it now, then don't do it later. Then it is too close to the World Cup.”

“Smriti is there, of course, and can be a choice to consider for the selectors (has been vice-captain for long) but I personally think someone like Jemimah, she's 24, she's young, she will serve you longer in the T20’s and she’s someone who I feel on the field gets that energy. She speaks to everybody. I was very impressed by her in this tournament,” she continued.

The Indian team will next take the field against New Zealand in a three-match ODI series, which begins on October 24 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.