India head coach Amol Muzumdar on Saturday, 28 August expressed full confidence in his squad ahead of their Women's Asia Cup Group A opener against Thailand in Dubai on Sunday evening, asserting that the side is 'hungry for success' despite the absence of star batter Jemimah Rodrigues, who is currently in rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

Muzumdar on Jemimah's Absence

Muzumdar was candid about the void left by Rodrigues, describing her as a pivotal performer. 'She is a clutch player for us. She will definitely be missed,' he said at the pre-match press conference, adding that her recovery remains the priority. He noted that replacements within the 15-member squad are more than capable of stepping up, though he reiterated that Rodrigues's absence would be felt.

A Squad Hungry for Tournament Wins

The India coach underscored the group's fierce desire to convert strong preparation into silverware. 'In the last five Test matches, we have won four of them. They are hungry for success and winning some tournaments,' Muzumdar said. He framed the Women's Asia Cup as a critical launchpad for the team's next six-month cycle in T20 cricket, signalling that the continental title is firmly in their sights.

Notably, India have lost nine of 16 T20Is played in 2025, a record Muzumdar was quick to contextualise. 'We don't pay too much attention to the form. We know what scope of improvement this team has got. There is a huge scope of improvement and this is a young side,' he said, stressing the team's intent to play aggressive cricket from here on.

Dubai Conditions and Spin Arsenal

Acknowledging the heat and humidity in Dubai, Muzumdar pointed to the squad's familiarity with UAE conditions from the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup as a significant advantage. He also highlighted India's diverse spin attack — comprising N Sree Charani, Deepti Sharma, Prema Rawat, and Radha Yadav — as a potential match-winner on pitches that have shown early signs of assisting turn. 'Spinners definitely are crucial. We have got a variety of spinners in this side,' he said.

Camp Preparations and Execution Focus

Muzumdar spoke at length about the intensive 15-day pre-tournament camp at the Centre of Excellence (CoE), crediting the strength-and-conditioning staff for rigorous fitness and fielding drills that have readied all 15 squad members for match duties. 'It was a fantastic camp. The preparation has been good. It is just about going out there and executing our plans,' he said. He added that the entire squad of 15 should consider themselves available for selection in the playing XI.

India's campaign in the Women's Asia Cup 2025 begins on Sunday evening in Dubai, with the tournament expected to serve as a key T20 benchmark ahead of future ICC events.