Asia Cup: Anything less than title will be a 'major disappointment' for India

India have a rich history in the Women's Asia Cup, having won seven out of the nine editions played to date. Former India cricketer and ex-women's team coach, WV Raman, believes that anything less than a title in the upcoming 2026 edition would be a significant disappointment for Harmanpreet Kaur's team. They will face tough competition from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, a team that has shown great talent and enthusiasm in recent times.

Raman, in an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia.com, stated that anything less than a victory for India would be considered a major disappointment. The Indian team recently lost the 2024 Women's Asia Cup final to Sri Lanka by eight wickets in Dambulla. Raman added that India is determined to regain the Asia Cup in Dubai, despite facing some setbacks in their preparations.

Missing pace-bowling all-rounders Amanjot Kaur and Kashvee Gautam, along with injured batswoman Jemimah Rodrigues, have made the road ahead challenging for India. Jemimah's replacement, Pratika Rawal, has made her T20I debut in the absence of Jemimah and is expected to feature in the team's lineup. However, there is uncertainty regarding her batting position in the lineup.

Raman suggested that Pratika should ideally be placed at number three in the batting order, where she can have more time at the crease and pace the innings effectively. He also emphasized that the team must make the most of the 20 overs allotted to them and give opportunities to newer players like Bharti Fulmali and Richa Ghosh, who have demonstrated excellent strike rates in the Women's Premier League.

Fulmali, who returned to international cricket after a seven-year hiatus, is now being given more chances to prove herself in the Asia Cup. If India plans to integrate her into their batting lineup for the future, this is the perfect opportunity to do so. Raman stressed that the Asia Cup should be seen as a crucial stepping stone towards preparing for the 2028 Women's T20 World Cup, as India's recent exit from the 2026 T20 World Cup has been disappointing.