'They're hungry for success' - Amol Muzumdar confident of India's Asia Cup ambitions

India women's team begin their Women's Asia Cup campaign against Thailand on August 30 with seven titles to their name, making them the most successful team in the tournament's history. The T20 format competition sees India drawn in Group A alongside Pakistan, Thailand and Hong Kong China. Following the Thailand opener, India will face Hong Kong China on September 3 before a crucial meeting with Pakistan in Dubai on September 5.

Head coach Amol Muzumdar spoke on August 29 ahead of the Thailand match, expressing his confidence in the squad's hunger and recent form. The team has shown strong performances across formats, with Muzumdar highlighting their recent Test record as a sign of their competitive strength.

"This group has been a special one. We've done well in the ODI setup, in the Test matches that we've played. Last five Tests, if you see we've won four of them," Muzumdar said as quoted by ICC.

Muzumdar further emphasised the team's determination heading into the tournament. He stressed that every competition matters to the squad and that their hunger for silverware would be evident throughout the Asia Cup campaign.

"So they're hungry for success, they're hungry to winning some tournaments. Every tournament is important, every tournament is crucial for this setup. They're really hungry for success. You'll be able to see that in the coming future," Muzumdar said.

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India's campaign will proceed without Jemimah Rodrigues, who was ruled out due to a right hamstring injury. Rodrigues sustained the injury on August 3 while representing Southern Brave in The Hundred. The BCCI medical team confirmed a high-grade tear to her right hamstring after assessment at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Pratika Rawal was named as her replacement in the squad.

Muzumdar acknowledged Rodrigues' absence and her importance to the team's plans. The batter played a crucial role in India's maiden Women's ODI World Cup triumph last year, scoring an unbeaten 127 against Australia in the semi-finals.

"I've always maintained that she's a clutch player for us. She will definitely be missed, but having said that her recovery is very important for us. Her rehab is well-taken care of at the Centre of Excellence at Bengaluru," Muzumdar said.