Late on Monday, The Telegraph was able to access the emails written by Harmanpreet Kaur Bhullar and Smriti Mandhana.
Here goes…
Excerpts from Harmanpreet’s email…
“Having kept in mind the confidence of each player and the team built in the past three months, I tried to avoid the controversies blemishing our reputation…
Ramesh Powar sir not only improved us as players, but motivated us to set targets and challenge our own limits. He has changed the face of the Indian women’s cricket team both technically and strategically and inculcated in us the sense of winning…
With regard to the exclusion of Mithali Raj (in the World T20 semi-final against England, Ramesh sir was not single-handedly responsible. The decision was entirely based on cricketing logic and observations from the past…
Keeping in mind the need of the hour, myself, Smriti Mandhana, selector Sudha Shah and the coach in the presence of our manager felt that we should go ahead with the winning combination…
The intent was not personal, but entirely for the welfare of the team…
I, as the T20I captain and the ODI vice-captain, is appealing to you to allow Ramesh sir to further continue as our coach. There are hardly 15 months for the next World T20 and a month to go for the New Zealand tour. Given the way he has transformed us as a team, I see no reason to replace him at this point in time when the team is coordinating well within and amongst each other…
It takes a while to select and understand combinations. Another change of coach will affect our growth and we will have to start from scratch…
Whatever may be the reason for Ramesh sir and Mithali’s conflict, they should solve it across the table, like a family, and call it a truce. This will provide more sense and security to them and the entire team…
Thank you very much.”
Smriti Mandhana Telegraph file picture
Excerpts from Smriti’s email…
“I am in receipt of the email sent by Harmanpreet Kaur to which, as the vice-captain of the T20I team, I would like to add…
All the meetings held in respect to the playing XI came to a unanimous decision, taken by the captain, vice-captain, coach Romesh Powar and selector Sudha Shah in the presence of our team manager (Trupti Bhattacharya)…
Since the introduction of Ramesh sir, the support staff boosted our confidence as a team. That helped us win 14 consecutive T20I matches before the World T20 semi-final…
Ramesh sir has changed the intent of the players and given everyone the confidence to express themselves on the field to the fullest. His one-to-one connect with each player has led to clarity in roles and made everyone believe that they are match-winners…
Since we are merely a month away from the New Zealand tour and hardly 15 months from the next World T20 in Australia, Ramesh sir’s guidance and inputs will be helpful for the team to perform well…
It is important for Indian cricket’s growth that everybody is on the same page and I believe that differences can be amicably resolved via discussions…
Thank you.”
