Indian women’s team coach gives big update on Smriti Mandhana’s injury ahead of clash against West Indies

India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana is likely to return to the playing XI against West Indies in the Women’s 20-20 World Cup after missing the tournament opener with a finger injury. The opening batter was away from action against Pakistan but bowling coach Troy Cooley is hopeful that she will recover before the next match at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town on Wednesday.

Cooley said that Smriti is currently working hard to regain her fitness and the team management is monitoring her progress from time to time. He added that the 26-year-old has done everything she can to be fully fit for the upcoming tournament matches.

“I think, yeah, he (Mandhana) has been working very hard. And I think from today, it’ll obviously be assessed after today, but she did everything she was needed to be done today. And I think, yeah, from us, we look at how she pulls up. But we’re pretty confident that she got through the session today and did everything she needed to do,” said Cooley as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

Meanwhile, Indian women kicked off their World Cup campaign with a comprehensive win against arch-rivals Pakistan, thanks to heroics from Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh. Smriti’s presence in the top order will add more stability and confidence to the team, which is exactly what the staff and cricket fans are waiting for.

‘She is an exceptional player’ – Cooley backs Deepti Sharma

Troy Cooley has spoken out in support of star all-rounder Deepti Sharma despite her poor performance against Pakistan. Although the 25-year-old conceded 39 runs in her four overs, the bowling coach is confident that she can make a big impact with the ball in the upcoming matches.

“Well, as you know, she (Deepti) is an exceptional player and she bowled three overs in the powerplay, one at the death with three fielders out. So, we know that those are high-pressure times, but you know, who better to give the ball to than someone like Deepti?

“The conversations are really, you know, did you bowl the ball you want? Did you have the field you wanted? And away you go. So, you know, we let things go as much as we can, but the girls are very good at reviewing their own performances,” he added.

India is currently second, behind England, in Group 2 and will be looking to climb to the top of the table with a win against the Caribbean side today.