India women’s head coach Amol Muzumdar believes the day is not far when the national team could have a specialist T20I squad, much like the Indian men’s team, with the next generation of cricketers well equipped to meet the demands of the shortest format.

Asked how soon that could become a reality, Muzumdar was emphatic: “Not long.”

“We’re already on that path. There’s some amazing talent coming through. The talent I’ve seen at the COE, where they hold the India under-15 and under-19 camps, is terrific. The work at the Centre of Excellence is superb. The camps are a good reflection of where Indian women’s cricket is at the moment. I’m sure it’s in a healthy state,” he said at an event organised by the Sports Journalists’ Association of Mumbai (SJAM) on Saturday.

Muzumdar feels the next generation could accelerate that transition.

“They are tuned in. They are professionals. Even the U-15 players are professionals. They understand the nutrition aspect of the game. They understand the fitness aspect of the game. They understand fielding. They’re terrific fielders. They’re good athletes. They understand that athleticism is key in cricket,” he said.

“You’ll soon find that when the younger generation takes over, India will be in a good state.”

With Harmanpreet Kaur handing over the captaincy to Smriti Mandhana, Indian women’s cricket is entering a new phase. Muzumdar, who worked closely with Harmanpreet during his three-year tenure, was full of praise for the outgoing captain.

“I had a very good time with Harman as a captain. But I’m also looking forward to the future. With utmost respect, the manner in which she conducted herself as a captain, as a skipper, was superb,” he said.