New Delhi: India’s Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 campaign has hit a rocky patch, with captain Harmanpreet Kaur facing intense scrutiny following two consecutive defeats against South Africa and Australia. The losses have put India’s chances of qualifying for the semi-finals in jeopardy, leaving the team in a position where they must win all remaining matches to finish among the top four teams.
Harmanpreet herself has struggled to find form in the ongoing tournament, registering scores of 21, 19, 9, and 22 in her outings so far. While other Indian batters such as Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Harleen Deol, and Pratika Rawal have contributed significantly — each scoring more than 30 runs in individual innings — Harmanpreet has been unable to produce the big performances expected of her.
Calls for captaincy change
The lack of impact from India’s skipper has sparked debates among fans and cricket experts alike, with many suggesting that Harmanpreet should be relieved of her captaincy. Social media has seen a flurry of reactions, with users demanding leadership changes in order to revitalise India’s campaign.
While fans have been vocal about her underperformance, there is also recognition that leadership comes with responsibility, and the pressure of guiding a team through high-stakes matches in the World Cup can weigh heavily on any captain.
Coach highlights tactical concerns
India’s head coach, Amol Mazumdar, addressed concerns during a post-match press conference, emphasising that the team is analysing dot ball percentages in their batting innings — a key metric in limited-overs cricket.
“After the previous game, not this one, but the one before against South Africa, we had an elongated discussion about how we are going to approach the batting innings and that was one of the things that was discussed about the dot ball percentage. So far in the last year and a half, we have been playing very aggressive cricket and thought today was a good display,” Mazumdar said.
He added, “Yes, the dot ball percentage has come down but we’ll have a closer look at it. I don’t know what the exact percentage is.” The focus on dot balls highlights the coaching staff’s concerns about building partnerships and maintaining pressure during crucial stages of the innings.
India’s road ahead
With the semi-finals hanging in the balance, India must regroup quickly. The team will need consistent contributions from both the captain and the middle order, along with disciplined bowling and fielding, to stay in contention. Analysts stress that while captaincy is important, collective team performance will ultimately determine India’s fate in the tournament.
As India prepares for the next matches, all eyes will be on Harmanpreet Kaur, whose form and leadership could decide whether the team progresses or exits the competition prematurely. With the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 offering little room for error, India’s players face a crucial period where each match carries significant weight.