The Indian women’s cricket team finds itself in a troubling state since October 1, 2024, with performances in both T20Is and ODIs falling significantly short of expectations. Despite boasting experienced players like Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma, the team has been plagued by inconsistency and questionable tactical decisions, exposing deep flaws in their approach.
Batting Failures: A Clear Pattern of Underachievement
In the four T20Is played during the T20 World Cup in Dubai, the openers managed just 172 runs at an average of 21.50 with a solitary fifty-run stand, highlighting a lack of foundation at the top. The middle order fared slightly better, contributing 286 runs at an average of 28.60, but these numbers are far from competitive at the international level.
The story is no different in ODIs. In four matches, the openers scored 172 runs at an average of 21.50, while the middle order contributed 374 runs at an average of 26.71, with only one fifty-run partnership. These statistics point to a glaring issue: no batter has stepped up to anchor the innings or consistently produce match-winning contributions.
The team’s batting woes are glaringly evident in the four ODIs played since the T20 World Cup. India has failed to cross the 250-run mark even once, and the inability to bat out 50 overs when batting first further underscores their struggles.
- In the first ODI against New Zealand, India was bowled out for 227 in 44.3 overs.
- In the second ODI, chasing a target of 260, they crumbled for just 183 runs, falling 77 runs short.
- In the third ODI, while they successfully chased down a target of 233,.
- The series opener against Australia was a disaster, as the team was bowled out for just 100 runs, unable to put up any resistance.
Out of four ODIs, Indian batters have been bowled out thrice. Twice, when batting first, the team failed to last their full quota of 50 overs. These stats highlight the fragility of the batting lineup and its inability to sustain pressure.
Experienced Batters Failing to Deliver
The lack of impact from key players has compounded India’s troubles:
- Smriti Mandhana: As one of the most experienced players in the circuit, her inconsistency is alarming. In ODIs, she has managed just 113 runs, including a single century. Her remaining three innings have resulted in single-digit scores, including a duck. In T20Is, her tally of 75 runs includes one fifty, while she contributed little to nothing in the other three matches. Is this all that one of India’s most celebrated batters can offer in crucial matches?
- Harmanpreet Kaur: The skipper has failed to lead from the front. In ODIs, she has scored only 100 runs in three matches, with a single fifty to her name. In T20Is, despite scoring 150 runs, her efforts in losing causes, such as an unbeaten 69 against Australia, have not been impactful enough to turn the tide.
- Jemimah Rodrigues: Jemimah’s inability to convert starts into substantial contributions is worrying. Across four ODIs, she hasn’t scored even a single fifty, managing 97 runs overall. For a player tasked with stabilising the middle order, this lack of form adds to India’s batting woes.
Among India’s top three—Smriti, Harmanpreet, and Jemimah—there has been only one century in four ODIs, a dismal return that highlights the batting misery.
Unanswered Questions and Tactical Blunders
The lack of clarity around the number three position is emblematic of the team’s struggles. Richa Ghosh was inexplicably promoted to bat at No. 3 in one series, where she played a near-match-winning knock of 96. Yet, she was not persisted with in that role, raising serious questions about the team’s decision-making. This inconsistency in selection and strategy highlights a lack of accountability within the management and coaching staff.
Time for Accountability and Harsh Decisions
The performances under coach Amol Muzumdar and captain Harmanpreet Kaur have been nothing short of disappointing. The T20 World Cup campaign saw India failing to progress beyond the group stage, winning just two out of four matches. In ODIs, while they secured a series win against New Zealand, the cracks in the batting order were evident, and the defeat in the series opener against Australia further underscores the issues.
The team’s continued underperformance is a blow to women’s cricket in India at a time when the sport is on an upward trajectory globally. Poor results weaken its position in the country, where the women’s game is still fighting for equal recognition and resources.
The Way Forward
It’s time for the BCCI to take some harsh calls:
- Leadership Overhaul: A change in captaincy is needed to inject fresh ideas and energy into the team. Harmanpreet Kaur’s individual brilliance is undeniable, but her leadership has failed to inspire the team.
- Coaching Shake-Up: Amol Muzumdar’s tenure has failed to address fundamental issues in the team’s batting and strategy. A new coach with a proven track record at the international level could bring much-needed stability.
- Accountability in Selection: Clear roles and responsibilities must be defined, particularly in the middle order. Players like Richa Ghosh deserve consistent opportunities at key positions based on performance, not experimentation.
India’s women’s cricket cannot afford to stagnate. The team needs bold changes to regain its footing, inspire confidence, and strengthen the sport’s future in the country. The question is, will the decision-makers act before it’s too late?
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