Just about everyone wants the Indian team to win the Women’s World Cup 2025, but what are the chances? Up next in the semis is a team — Australia, who has won the trophy seven times, and does not seem to slow down; weather forecast isn’t great for 29th October with rain threatening to wreak havoc again, our selection and injury issues in the squad make things worse.
Issues with selection for Team India
So, let’s get this straight. There is hardly any chance for Harmanpreet Kaur’s team to move to the final, and lift the trophy. And they have only themselves to blame for that. The team lost easy matches to South Africa, England and Australia — and if the semis ends in a washout, then this could just come into play.
Selection-wise, Harmanpreet has stuck to only five-bowler theory, which has hardly worked with the top teams. Amanjot Kaur has had economy rate over six, and that puts a lot of pressure on the likes of Kranti Gaud, Sneh Rana, Deepti Sharma and Sree Charani. In fact, Rana has given away 47, 85, 56 and 60 runs in her last four matches. A lot more is expected from the senior pro.
Pratika Rawal injury & middle-order woes
More often than not, Renuka Singh Thakur has been left out of the XI, at the expense of an extra batter, which doesn’t help matters. Australia will exploit that loophole in the bowling unit, day in and day out.
Coming to batting, Pratika Rawal is out of the World Cup due to an ankle injury, and most likely Amanjot or Harleen Deol will open with Smriti Mandhana. Or if a new player is brought in, then it could be Shafali Verma. For the record, Harleen’s batting has been a major worry, with her scoring 169 runs in 7 matches, and the strike-rate has been only 75. Amanjot has a fifty in the tournament, but much can’t be expected from her suddenly. As for Shafali, she has not played an ODI for a year.
Five-bowler theory ineffective
Continuing with batting, Harmanpreet Kaur’s form has been wayward. Barring that 70 against England, she has failed to uplift team in tough situations — averages only 25. So, there is just no way out for the batting unit. Lastly. The ground-fielding has improved a lot, but catching remains poor. A team cannot drop 15-16 catches in a tournament, and then expect to win.
Australia would make India pay, even for a half-chance that is dropped. So, if only India harbours any hopes of going forward, these challenges must be overcome. Yes, miracles do happen, but it the fans should not hope for one.
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