Sneh Rana: Indian Women's Cricket Team Determined to Secure First ICC Trophy

Sneh Rana, the Indian women's cricket team's spin-bowling all-rounder, believes that the recent success of Rohit Sharma and his team in the T20 World Cup has instilled a renewed sense of self-assurance and determination within the women's squad. This newfound belief has fueled their ambition to secure their first-ever ICC trophy.

The Women's Asia Cup, commencing in Sri Lanka on Friday, sees India once again as the top contenders to clinch the title. However, the real challenge for the team lies ahead in the T20 World Cup in October and the ODI World Cup, which they will host next year.

Rana is confident that the Indian team, having come close to victory on several occasions, has put in immense effort to achieve success in a global tournament. She firmly believes that the elusive triumph is well within their reach.

"The Indian women's cricket team, if you look at the past 2-3 years, they are doing their best," Rana told PTI in an exclusive interview on Friday. "For (winning) the ICC trophy, let's take the men's (team's example), it took almost 10 years to get the trophy. They have been preparing and working hard for it for a long time."

"To achieve something big, it will not happen overnight. It will take time. It will take a lot of sacrifices, a lot of struggle, a lot of things in between. But eventually, we will get there," Rana said.

The players and coaches have recognized that fielding is a problematic area that needs improvement. However, according to Rana, the team is not lacking in determination to enhance their performance in this aspect of the game.

"When we play N number of matches, the chances of errors are more. But it doesn't mean that someone is bad at it. Obviously, as a player, when you are on the field, you want to always do your best for your country," she said.

"No one is there to say that it's okay, it will happen (ho jayega). (But) it could also be a matter of a bad day for someone."

"As far as ICC trophies are concerned, for big events, the more matches we play, the more experience we will get," Rana said.

Since her introduction to international cricket in 2014, Rana patiently waited for the opportunity to represent her country in the longest format of the game. After a prolonged period of seven years, she finally received her maiden Test cap. The right-arm off-spinner now reflects on her journey with pride, having featured in three more Test matches since her debut.

"I'm glad I got the opportunity. It had been a while, right? The scenario for Indian women's Test cricket is changing for good. The number of Tests we're getting to play now, it's the best opportunity for players."

"The inclusion of a multi-day format in domestic cricket is also a big step from the BCCI to take this forward," Rana said.

Since 2014, the team had not participated in any 'home' Tests for an extended period of nine years. However, since December 2023, they have emerged victorious in all three Tests they have played.

Rana attributed the team's success to the players' exceptional fitness levels and remarkable endurance, which have been crucial factors in their recent triumphs.

"It's a matter of mindset. Obviously, you've been playing cricket for so long, the 50-overs and 20 overs. But the long formats that we used to have, the multi-days, that we played last in 2018," she said.

"You have to be on the field for four days, you need endurance for that. Fitness is very important and as a senior player, it's (even) more important because you have to be there all the time," said Rana, who took a 10-for against South Africa earlier this month in the Chennai Test.

"You have to guide your youngsters as well. It's a bit challenging. But lastly, it's all about the mindset," she said.

The Women's Premier League has made the Indian players busier than before but its versatile nature will help in the longer run, Rana said.

"Since WPL came, we have become a bit more busy. I think the busier, the better. Cricket has got more exposure since WPL came. The match exposure is always good for a player."

"The versatility that WPL brings on the table by sharing dressing rooms with the overseas players. (The) new-found talent of the country, (will bring) a refreshing change to women's cricket," she said.

Rana's current focus is to regain her position in the white-ball squad, as she was not selected for the Asia Cup tournament. This presents a significant hurdle for her to overcome.

"I won't lie. It was a little heartbreaking to be dropped from the team. You want to play for India, be it Test cricket or white-ball cricket," she said.

"But at the same time, it has developed a hunger in me to rejoin the T20 format with my team or the 50-overs game. I'm eagerly waiting for the opportunity," she said.

"I know I have it in me and I have penned down my manifestation (too)," said Rana, who has played 25 T20Is and 27 ODIs.

Rana expressed his approval of the extended tenure being given to the current head coach, Amol Muzumdar, compared to some of the coaches who came before him.

"Longevity and consistency in the side definitely helps, be it in the regards of coach or a player. With the amount of time one spends with the team, the knowledge about the player and the bonding within, that automatically increases," Rana said.

"He knows each and every player, their strengths... and how he can use that particular player in a match. At which moment, when and where he can use that player... he knows everything," Rana added.

Tags: #SnehRana, #IndianWomensCricket, #ICC, #WomensAsiaCup, #T20WorldCup