India out of Women's T20 World Cup due to poor fitness, missed chances

In a major disappointment for Indian women's cricket, Harmanpreet Kaur's team has been eliminated from the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024, exiting in the group stages after New Zealand clinched their third and final win to secure a place in the top two. Despite entering the tournament with high expectations, India struggled to find its rhythm against the stronger teams, Australia and New Zealand, which led to its premature exit.

- SUNIL YASH KALRA

Placed in a tough group with the defending champions Australia and two-time finalists New Zealand, India was expected to reach the knockout stages at least. However, while they secured victories in the matches they were expected to win, they fell short in the crucial encounters that could have defined their campaign. As a result, recurring issues and familiar heartbreak once again resurfaced in Indian women's cricket, much to the disappointment of fans and analysts alike.

Before the tournament, captain Harmanpreet Kaur had boldly declared this to be "the strongest Indian side" ever assembled for a World Cup, with head coach Amol Muzumdar echoing the sentiment. Muzumdar had particularly focused on India solving the longstanding problem of the number three batting position. However, the team's performance in the tournament highlighted a glaring disconnect between potential and execution.