Indian women’s team coach, Tushar Arothe felt the need to appoint a full-time sports psychologist for the team and has asked BCCI for the same. In an interview with TOI, Arothe said, “I made the suggestion and the cricket board has accepted it. The team needs a sports psychologist to improve its mental strength. We were in winning position but the players panicked and succumbed to the mental pressure in dying overs in World Cup finals. Having a professional who can help them build their mental strength will definitely help the team.”
The 50-year-old has been with the Indian women’s cricket team for a quite long time. He was the coach of the team between 2009 to 2011 and then was again hired for the same job in 2012. He also said that this World Cup was a great learning experience for him as well as the team.
“When I was offered the coach’s job this time, I was excited but there was also some pressure as World Cup is a big event. When we started the campaign, no one expected us to even qualify. But we reached the finals. I guess this may be the turning point for our women cricketers as they have got a lot of recognition,” he said.
Tushar’s term as a coach has been extended for two more years and his eyes are set on the 2018 T20 Women’s World Cup. Describing his future plans with the team, he said, “Our eyes are now set on 2018 T20 Women’s World Cup. I have told the girls to relax for some days and then get back to work. After our recent performance, expectations have increased and we need to deliver. Our batting and bowling department is fantastic but players’ physical fitness is one of my major concerns and we will work on it.”