History, it seems, loves symmetry, especially when it comes to India and New Zealand in World Cups. Eight years ago, at Derby in 2017, India found themselves on the brink. After four wins and two losses, a knockout-like clash against New Zealand stood between them and a semi-final berth. In 2025, the storyline feels eerily familiar, two wins, three losses, and another do-or-die battle against the same opponent. Only the setting has changed; the stakes and the tension remain identical.
Back in 2017, India turned pressure into performance. Mithali Raj, calm and composed as ever, produced one of her finest ODI knocks, a sublime century that oozed class and conviction. The then-captain’s straight drive off Hannah Rowe is still etched in memory, a shot straight out of the school of timing. Alongside her, Harmanpreet Kaur made a solid 60, and then came the “Veda storm”, a blistering 70 off 45 balls that blew New Zealand away. India posted 265 and then bundled them out for 79, with Rajeshwari Gayakwad’s five-wicket haul sealing the deal in spectacular fashion.
Fast forward to 2025, and the names have changed, but the questions remain the same. Can Harmanpreet now do what Mithali did then, anchor, inspire and lead from the front? Can Smriti Mandhana, who was part of that golden day in Derby, find her rhythm again when it matters most? And could someone young, perhaps Jemimah Rodrigues or Richa Ghosh, play the role of the fearless Veda Krishnamurthy?
In the bowling department too, the parallels beckon. Back then, Gayakwad stepped up after waiting her turn behind Ekta Bisht. Tomorrow, could N Sree Charani be India’s left-arm surprise?
The echoes of 2017 aren’t just statistical, they’re emotional. That day, India didn’t just win a match; they reignited belief. In 2025, they’ll need that same fire, that same collective will. The names may differ, but the heartbeat remains the same, one team, one moment, one more chance to rise when it matters most.
For more updates, follow RevSportz