The Indian women's cricket team is gearing up for a crucial phase of their upcoming preparations for the T20 World Cup. A fitness and conditioning camp is set to begin in Bengaluru this week, marking the first step towards conquering the 2024 T20 World Cup.

The need of the hour is cutting edge technology for Harmanpreet Kaur and Co.

However, it is not just the physical prowess that the team is looking to improve. A recurring theme in Indian women's cricket is their inability to close out big games. Despite their immense talent, the team has often failed in high-pressure situations. The recent Women's Asia Cup final defeat to an unlikely Sri Lanka side is a cruel reminder of this recurring problem.

Preparation camps ahead of the T20 Women's World Cup

Realising this, captain Harmanpreet Kaur has been stressing on the need for mental conditioning. In a significant development, the BCCI has responded by assigning a sports psychologist to the team. The news was reported by ESPNcricinfo. The inclusion of a mental health expert is a proactive step towards addressing the psychological challenges faced by the Women in Blue.

It is pertinent to note that star players including Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh and Jemimah Rodrigues will not be part of the first two camps, given their commitment to overseas T20 leagues. Meanwhile, Shreyanka Patil, who was injured in the recent Women's Asia Cup, is expected to be part of the camp.

The camp, designed to focus on on-field training, fitness and specific coaching, will be followed by an intensive skills-based camp in the run-up to the World Cup. While these physical aspects are undoubtedly key, the psychological preparation provided by the sports psychologist could prove to be a game-changer.

India have shown brilliance but the team has consistently failed when it matters the most. If they can overcome the mental barriers, they have the potential to challenge Australia's dominance and lift their maiden T20 World Cup trophy.

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