Women’s World Cup: Sushma backs top-order and keeper Richa to come good amid mixed returns
India’s women’s team have already won two group matches in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, but the pressure is mounting as they head into a four‑game stretch that starts with a clash against South Africa in Visakhapatnam. The win‑streak comes while the top‑order of the Indian squad struggles to find rhythm, and veteran wicket‑keeper‑batter Sushma Verma says this is normal in tournament cricket.
Top‑order struggles, lower‑order is burning
Cricket‑21 data shows that India’s five leading batters have scored just 265 runs at a strike rate of 74.0. No half‑centuries have come yet, and the average of 26.5 runs per wicket is well below the team’s average. By contrast, the middle and lower order (positions 6‑11) have added 229 runs at a brisk 101.3 strike rate, with two fifties and a higher average of 28.6. The pattern is unusual and suggests the top batsmen need to pick up the pace.
Opening pair Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal have a run‑rate of 6.05, but that falls to 4.32 when they team up with Harleen Deol, putting extra pressure on the rest of the lineup.
Sushma Verma stays positive
Sushma, who has played 43 ODI matches and 19 T20Is for India, told that dips in form happen even among the best. “After the recent series against Australia we all scored runs. In a tournament you’ll see ups and downs over a few games,” she said. “There’s no reason to worry. If we face world‑class bowlers like Marizanne Kapp or Ayabonga Khaka, the batters will adapt. We’ve all had low points before and come back stronger.”
Verma added that her confidence in Richa Ghosh, the young wicket‑keeper‑batter who often tops the ODI strike‑rate charts, is unwavering. “Richa has missed a few catches, but wicket‑keeping is a tough job. A wicket‑keeper can easily lose one or two opportunities in a match. I know that inside my head, because I’m a keeper myself.” She praised Richa’s speed, noting that in her debut match against Sri Lanka, Richa was exemplary behind the stumps and made a 35‑run cameo against Pakistan.
Match‑winning performances keep India on track
Beyond batting, India’s campaign has been buoyed by key all‑rounders Amanjot Kaur and Deepti Sharma, as well as fast‑bowling talent Kranti Gaud. “Every game needs a winner. Players step up on the day,” Verma said. She sees spin as a possible game‑changer against South Africa and believes Amanjot and Renuka Singh Thakur will adjust well to the conditions.
Looking ahead
The next test for India is a day‑later match against South Africa, where the team will try to translate its group‑stage momentum into a win. Fans can catch the live action on JioHotstar and Star Sports at 3:00 pm tomorrow, Oct 9.
India’s women’s squad faces a tough road ahead, but with experienced hand‑savvy and a spirited lower order, the team remains a serious contender in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup.
Source: ianslive
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