By News18,Ritayan Basu

Copyright news18

The Indian women’s cricket team has the potential to win the World Cup at home if they can manage the pressure, former wicketkeeper-batter Sulakshana Naik stated on Monday.
India, who have never won the ODI World Cup in any of its previous 12 editions, will co-host the eight-team tournament with Sri Lanka. All eyes are on Harmanpreet Kaur and her team to finally secure the title.
Naik, who represented India in two Tests, 46 ODIs, and 31 T20Is, recalled advice from 1983 World Cup winner Sandeep Patil during the 2010 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean, focusing on handling pressure.
“This side is very much capable of winning the World Cup. The only thing I am worried about is the pressure. They shouldn’t take the pressure,” Naik said during a panel discussion on the World Cup trophy tour.
“I had spoken to Sandeep Patil on how to handle pressure, as to why the men handle it and why we cannot handle it. At that time, he had given me very simple advice.” “He said, ‘get used to it — that is the only thing. The men are used to it. They do not care’,” added Naik, also a member of the BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee.
Spin To Win World Cup At Home?
Former India player Sangita Katware emphasised the importance of spinners in the tournament.
“Spinners are going to be the key for this World Cup. But it has to be a collective effort. You can achieve this by supporting each other,” she said.
The MCA also unveiled a special wall at the academy featuring photographs of Mumbai’s women captains.
“From Diana Edulji ji leading India in the first World Cup to today’s stars like Jemimah Rodrigues, our players have carried the city’s legacy with pride. This special wall is a tribute to our women captains, whose contributions will continue to inspire generations,” said MCA president Ajinkya Naik.
(With inputs from PTI)