As the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force Divas intensify preparations for back-to-back regional cricket tournaments, head coach Merissa Aguilleira has identified mental complacency as the primary obstacle her squad must overcome. The team is currently in final training camp ahead of the Cricket West Indies Women’s T20 Blaze competition, scheduled for January 13-24 at Arnos Vale Playing Field in St Vincent, which will be immediately followed by the condensed CG United Women’s Super50 Cup from January 27-31.
The TT squad, which captured last year’s Super50 title with a decisive seven-wicket victory over Barbados, finished a disappointing fifth in the 2025 T20 Blaze. This inconsistency has prompted strategic adjustments to both training methods and mental approach under Aguilleira’s leadership.
‘Players aren’t lacking in technical preparation—they’ve been executing superbly in both formats, demonstrating powerful hitting and intelligent running between wickets,’ Aguilleira stated in a January 6 interview. ‘The critical challenge is maintaining consistency and avoiding complacency during high-pressure situations.’
The 14-member squad boasts considerable experience with captain Karishma Ramharack—named TTCB’s 2025 Female International Cricketer of the Year—leading a group that includes legendary off-spinner Anisa Mohammed alongside veterans Britney Cooper and Lee Ann Kirby. The team also features promising young talent with 18-year-old Samara Ramnath and 15-year-old leg-spin prodigy Shriya Jairam.
Significant tactical changes have been implemented following post-season evaluation, particularly in batting strategy. The recruitment of renowned Caribbean batting coach Robert Samuels in September has already yielded measurable improvements according to the coaching staff.
Recognizing fitness as another crucial component, the management arranged multiple two-day matches in late December to enhance endurance and wicket preservation—essential for the condensed tournament schedule. Additional preparation included night games under lights to simulate match conditions and a final 50-over practice match against male opponents.
The team’s psychological preparation received equal attention, with a specialized sports psychology session conducted by the Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago on January 6. This mental conditioning comes despite the squad’s recent near-miss at the Bolivarian Games in Peru, where Aguilleira noted significant progress despite falling short of gold.
‘Our performances in Peru demonstrated we’re operating at an elevated level compared to regional counterparts,’ Aguilleira observed. ‘Maintaining composure under pressure remains our final piece of the puzzle.’
The coach acknowledged Trinidad and Tobago’s traditional status as a target for regional rivals, embracing the competitive pressure that comes with their championship pedigree. The squad departs for St Vincent on January 10, fully aware that defending their Super50 title while improving T20 performance will require both physical excellence and mental resilience.