India's domestic structure 5-6 years behind Australia or England — Harmanpreet

The skipper of Indian women's T20 cricket team Harmanpreet Kaur believes '3 Fs' could be the key to success in women's 50-over World Cup to be played in New Zealand next year.

Speaking to Mumbai Mirror, Harmanpreet said that the team's focus should be on fitness, fielding and fast bowling .

"Now the players are getting more aware about being fit and following the right daily routines," Harmanpreet said.

The 31-year-old who led India to its maiden T20 World Cup final appearance in Australia in February this year also talked on India's domestic structure.

According to Harmanpreet, India's domestic structure in five to six years behind Australia or England. Harmanpreet believes that if domestic structure is strong, India's performance at international level will go up.

"...as we keep improving our domestic level, the performances at international level will improve. That is why I said we are five-six years behind these teams because our domestic set-up is not as good as it should be." Harmanpreet explained.

In another interview to The Week Harmanpreet had emphasised that fitness is a part of the English and Aussie culture and India is picking up fitness a bit late.

"Just the fitness. In these two countries (Australia and England) fitness is part of their culture. Unfortunately, in India we start these things late," Harmanpreet told.

"For the last three years the girls have been working hard on fitness. It does not improve overnight, we need to work on it for longer durations." Harmanpreet said.

In the T20 World Cup India relied heavily on its spinners but Harmanpreet is of opinion that Indian bowling attack should become more balanced and relieve pressure on its spinners.

"At present, spin is our strength. Had we focused on grooming medium pacers a year or two back, we would not have had to depend so much on spin. We definitely need three medium pacers in the side." Harmanpreet said.

Harmanpreet came under criticism during the World Cup as the runs dried up from her bat. According to critics, captaincy was taking a toll on her batting. But Harmanpreet differs saying that she is enjoying the role at the moment.

"I really enjoy this part. I feel more involved. The captaincy keeps me alert all the time. Earlier, I used to think about my performance alone. Captaincy has made me a better person. [ Now,] I cannot think only about myself, but [have to think] of other things, too." Harmanpreet concluded.

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