DUBAI: Former India captain Anjum Chopra feels India has potential match-winners in their batters and spinners but cautions that they have to be prepared for severe challenges.
Chopra is backing Harmanpreet Kaur to not only sizzle with the bat but also lead the team astutely in her first major tournament as captain during the upcoming ICC Women's World T20 2018.
"Harmanpreet Kaur will lead India for the first time in a global event and I think she is up for the challenge both as a captain and as a player," she writes in a column for the International Cricket Council, in which she discusses the strengths of the team as well as the changing landscape of women's cricket in India.
"Smriti Mandhana is another player who could have a major impact on the tournament.
Her T20I exploits since early this year have raised her profile as a powerful stroke maker.
The dependable and vastly experienced Mithali Raj will be relied on to lay that solid foundation the team would be needing for this high-octane tournament," Chopra writes.
Chopra feels a good performance in the Caribbean could provide a further impetus to women's cricket in India after the side's memorable final appearance at Lord's in the ICC Women's World Cup 2017.
"In India, the women's game has gained in stature.
This tournament is another opportunity for them to consolidate their position.
With the promos already running on TV, I am sure people's attention will slowly and surely begin to focus on this tournament," she writes.