India captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s struggles with the bat in the Women’s T20 World Cup have once again made headlines and former teammate Shikha Pandey believes the skipper’s solution may be simpler than it seems.

Ahead of India’s win against Bangladesh, Shikha urged Harmanpreet to stop worrying about wickets falling around her and return to the aggressive style that has defined her career.

After this India is finding itself under pressure Their defeat to South Africa in ManchesterQuestions are being raised on the form of many senior batsmen. Harmanpreet’s strike rate in the middle overs has emerged as a particular concern, with the captain often appearing torn between rebuilding the innings and accelerating the scoring.

Speaking on JioStar’s game plan, Shikha said the India captain is at his best when he trusts his instincts rather than trying to carry the burden of the innings.

“Harman should stop thinking about fallen wickets and not try to rebuild,” Shikha said. “When Harmanpreet Kaur is on song, she is a completely different player.”

The former India fast bowler said that once Harmanpreet settles down at the crease, few players in women’s cricket are able to match her range against spin bowling.

“Once she gets settled, we will see those straight drives and those shots at deep mid-wicket. She is excellent against the spinners, so if she gets settled, it will be great for India,” he added.

Should India reshuffle the batting order?

Shikha also suggested that India might consider a slight reshuffle in the batting order to help their captain. He proposed to promote Harmanpreet to number 4, while demoting Jemimah Rodrigues one place.

Jemimah’s recent form was also included in the discussion regarding India’s batting. Former India batsman Veda Krishnamurthy supported the youngster to remain at No. 3, arguing that clarity of role is often as important as technique.

“For Jemima, I would still like to see her bat at number three. Just give her a role because it makes it a lot easier to prepare that way,” Veda said.

As India has entered the decisive phase of the tournament, Harmanpreet’s form remains the center of their hopes. The captain has rescued India from tough situations time and again over the years, but for that to happen again, Shikha believes that she will first have to free herself from the responsibility of constantly rebuilding and rediscover the fearless batsman who has won countless matches for India.

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