The resurgence in form from Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur during India’s ODI series against New Zealand has ignited newfound optimism in fans about the team’s prospects ahead of the 2025 ODI World Cup. Both the skipper and her deputy had consistent contributions in the 2-1 series victory, signalling a promising shift for India as they continue to refine their form and strategy following a disappointing run in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Mandhana’s Timely Return to Form
Smriti Mandhana, India’s vice-captain and one of the most talented batters in the women’s game, did not start off the series on the right foot, with an early dismissal in the first ODI, where she was the stand-in skipper. But her brilliant century in the last game of the series came as a reminder of her maturity and her growing role as a leader in the team. Her 100 off 122 deliveries was proof of her adaptability, blending patience with the right amount of aggression.
Mandhana’s capacity to build partnerships was key throughout the series, including her partnerships with Jemimah Rodrigues and the captain, Harmanpreet. Her adaptability to anchor the innings or accelerate when needed proved why she is one of the pillars of the Indian batting lineup. Ahead of the World Cup next year, Mandhana’s return to form is invaluable.
Harmanpreet Displays All-Round Leadership
The captain too had a solid series, announcing her comeback with impactful performances both as a middle-order batter and as a leader. Like Mandhana, Harmanpreet also had a shaky start to the series, when she stepped back into her role in the second ODI where she was unable to play an innings of substance. However, in the final game, the skipper played a crucial role in the win, scoring 59* (63 balls). She ended the chase in the 45th over and scored the winning runs.
After ruthless scrutiny for her tactical blunders in the recently concluded T20 World Cup, this time around, her captaincy was instrumental in the series win. She was spot on with the rotation of her bowlers and field placements. And now, with her renewed form and adroit tactical decisions, the future looks bright for India heading into an ODI World Cup year.
India’s Well-Rounded Performance in the Series
India’s series was one that was built on contributions with both bat and ball. In the first match, Radha Yadav dismantled the Kiwi batting lineup. Defending 227 runs, debutant Saima Thakor and Deepti Sharma too impressed with the ball in the middle overs.
In the final match of the series, Priya Mishra and Deepti contributed and scalped crucial wickets. Priya impressed with her accuracy while Deepti was able to penetrate the batting lineup and prevent New Zealand from building a strong foundation.
New Zealand, a quality side with standout players like Sophie Devine and Brooke Halliday, met with an equally formidable response from India’s bowlers. They showcased their ability to handle pressure, defend totals and execute strategies with precision.
The Path Forward
With the two leading ladies, Mandhana and Harmanpreet, finding their rhythm, India’s batting lineup immediately appears robust and capable of taking on the world’s best. Both veterans’ return to form has given the Women in Blue a much-needed confidence boost. For a team that has so much potential and emerging players like Tejal Hasabnis and Saima, it’s equally important that the veterans continue grooming fresh talent and strengthen the lineup ahead of the World Cup.
This series win, especially against a team of New Zealand’s calibre after a disastrous World Cup campaign, is more than just a morale boost. If Harmanpreet and Smriti continue their form and peak at the right moment, India will have a formidable chance at the 2025 ODI World Cup.