By Trisha Ghosal in Mumbai
India walk into their final group-stage clash against Bangladesh with the rare comfort that the result will not change their fate, they are already the fourth side confirmed for the semi-finals. Whatever happens, they stay put at No. 4; waiting on tonight’s showdown between Australia and South Africa to discover their knockout opponents.
But this comfort has not been gifted. India are here because, at long last, the think-tank snapped out of its stubborn state of homeostasis. Throughout the tournament and even stretching back to the bilateral series against Australia, India had looked trapped in a confused halfway house: rigid with their selection, uncertain with their strategy. The price was steep, dropped points, lost momentum, and a couple of heartbreaks that shook belief.
Then came New Zealand.
When Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal’s brilliant 200-run opening stand ended in the 34th over, logic warned against sending Harleen Deol at No. 3. A naturally steady starter, Harleen’s entry would have slowed India down at precisely the moment they needed to press harder. India were desperate, a semi-final berth was on the line and desperation can sometimes be a gift. For once, they dropped their rigidity.
Enter Jemimah Rodrigues.
Surprisingly benched in the previous match against England, Jemi responded with the perfect mix of intent and elegance: A fluent 76 off 55 balls. Her innings powered India to 340, finally delivering the “finish” Amol Muzumdar has preached at every press conference. The 53-run victory over the White Ferns didn’t just seal India’s place in the final four; it underlined how crucial smart flexibility is in modern-day cricket.
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And now, the stakes escalate.
The World Cup sheds its safety nets after Bangladesh. In knockout cricket, the slightest misjudgement can send you packing. India cannot afford to slip back into their shell. They have seen the rewards of adapting to the situation, reading the game, and backing aggressive choices. They have also seen where rigidity leads, regret.
This group has the talent. It now needs the courage to stay brave. In this tournament, flexibility has been India’s lifeline. The question is whether they keep holding on or let the old habits return at the worst possible time.
Will India continue trusting instinct over inhibition? Will they seize moments instead of securing comfort? A semi-final spot has been assured. A World Cup is not.
Also Read: Renuka and Kranti – India’s new-ball spark that reignited the World Cup campaign