Snehasis Mukherjee in Indore
India’s journey in the ongoing ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup has been jolted after two back-to-back defeats in Vizag. With four points from four games, all three remaining group-stage matches are now must-win clashes for the Women in Blue to reach the 10-point mark and seal a semi-final spot, without any complications of net run rate.
For that to happen, India must regroup and address the mistakes from their recent losses against South Africa and Australia. After the Australia match on October 12, India have a six-day gap before facing England on October 19 in Indore — a crucial window for the team and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur to reset and lead from the front.
This is Harmanpreet’s fifth ODI World Cup but her first as captain. She earlier led India in the 2023 and 2024 T20 World Cups, where the team exited in the semi-final and group stage, respectively. After two comfortable wins to begin the tournament, India’s defeats in Vizag have raised questions about her leadership.
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Defensive fields and lack of proactiveness
Given her experience, Harmanpreet is expected to stay ahead of the game. But in this World Cup, she has often reacted late rather than anticipating events. On several occasions, fielders were moved to key positions only after runs were conceded through those areas. Defensive field settings have also been a concern.
During the South Africa game, Tumi Sekhukhune and Nadine de Klerk found easy singles despite pressure situations. Against Australia, while Ellyse Perry was batting with Kim Garth, tighter field placements could have restricted runs.
Another instance came early in Perry’s innings — Harman kept a slip for N Shree Charani’s over, but in the next over from Deepti Sharma, Perry edged one at catchable height, and there was no slip fielder in place.
Lack of runs adding pressure
Her own lack of runs has also added to the pressure. In four games, she has scored only 71 runs, averaging 17.75 with a top score of 22. Each time she has looked good, she has thrown it away with one loose shot. Most of her dismissals have come in the point region.
In the recent home series against Australia before the World Cup, she got out to Ashleigh Gardner, caught by Annabel Sutherland at point. Against South Africa, Chloe Tryon dismissed her in the same fashion, caught by Marizanne Kapp. Against Australia, she was out to Megan Schutt in that region.
Harmanpreet has a fine record in ODI World Cups — 947 runs in 26 innings at an average of 45.09, including four fifties and three centuries. But in this edition, she is yet to make an impact.
Now all eyes are on her to step up. Other captains have led by example — Alyssa Healy for Australia, Laura Wolvaardt for South Africa, Nat Sciver-Brunt for England, and Sophie Devine for New Zealand have all played key innings. Even Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana Joty has lifted her team with intent and composure.
For Harmanpreet, this England clash in Indore could be the perfect chance to make a comeback — both as a batter and as a leader — and keep India’s home World Cup campaign alive.
Also Read: Pressure mounts on Harmanpreet Kaur and coach Amol Muzumdar as India look to regain momentum