Ramesh Powar: The presence of a psychologist is extremely beneficial to us
The presence of psychologist Mughda Bavare in the ongoing World Cup has helped the Indian women’s cricket team’s head coach Ramesh Powar believe the team has benefited greatly from her presence, as she has helped the players become more confident in dealing with adverse situations on the field.
Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet Kaur, the captains, have already mentioned how Bavare has aided them in turning things around during difficult times. Powar cited the example of Pooja Vastrakar and Sneh Rana, who saved the team in the tournament’s first game against Pakistan, which India won.
“If you recall how we used to react to collapses, I believe Pooja (Vastrakar) and (Sneh) Rana’s approach was a part of mindset (and) that’s what she works on.” Powar said ahead of the team’s third league game against the West Indies on Saturday, “I hope it will help us get the right results and the right mindset.”
In the tournament so far, India has beaten Pakistan and suffered a heavy loss to New Zealand. Bavare, according to Powar, was able to create a relaxed atmosphere in the locker room.”I think as a head coach, I wanted that help because it’s a high-pressure tournament, and looking at our history, I wanted players to feel at ease when they play in this type of high-pressure tournament, and she’s been with us from England,” Powar said. When asked who came up with the idea to bring in a psychologist, he said, “I think it’s been almost six months, and in person, I think it’s the first time she’s travelling with us, and it’s helping us a lot.” The first psychologist to accompany the Indian women’s team on a tour is Bavare.
Bavare is a former national-level swimmer who worked with the Indian wrestling teams, boxers, and track and field athletes in the run-up to the 2016 Rio Olympics. She has also worked with ace archer Deepika Kumari in the past and is a member of the Mumbai Cricket Association.
Harmanpreet Kaur, the team’s vice-captain, recently revealed that she was “going into a shell” before Bavare helped her regain her lost form ahead of the World Cup. Mithali had also stated that Bavare’s presence on the team was extremely beneficial.
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