India Women lost the three-match ODI series by 0-3 to Australia Women. What went wrong for India?
India Women’s cricket team faced a demoralizing 3-0 whitewash at the hands of Australia in their recent ODI series. The result has raised serious questions about their preparedness for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.
The India eves were outplayed in all departments, highlighting issues in their batting, bowling, and leadership. While past wins against New Zealand and South Africa hinted positive signs, the Australia series brutally exposed their inability to compete with top-tier opponents and a lack of consistency.
Batters let the team down
India’s batting unit’s failure was the most significant factor in their series defeat. Across the three ODIs, India posted totals of 100, 249, and 215 — all far below competitive standards against a side like Australia.
The top order, comprising Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh, failed to deliver solid starts. Mandhana, India’s most experienced batter, scored just 122 runs in three matches at an average of 40.66. Apart from one century, her numbers were not that impressive. She failed to convert her starts into impactful contributions.
Trying Richa Ghosh up the order backfired. Ghosh, known for her aggressive approach, could manage only 70 runs in the series, with her inability to adapt to Australia's disciplined bowling hurting India’s chances. But again, if her 54- run knock in the second ODI is set aside, it was a horror series for her as well.
Harmanpreet Kaur, the backbone of India’s middle order, was the biggest disappointment, scoring a mere 67 runs across three innings at an average of 22.33. Her lack of form left the team without a stabilising presence in the middle overs, exposing the inexperience of the lower order.
India’s batters struggled to rotate the strike, with just 51 singles taken in the second ODI and 45 in the third. This inability to keep the scoreboard ticking added pressure, leading to rash shot-making and frequent collapses.
Disappointment also stretched to the bowlers
India’s bowling unit, a strength for the team in recent years, failed to deliver in the series. Renuka Singh, expected to lead the attack, picked up just four wickets across three matches, struggling to provide breakthroughs in the powerplay. Saima Thakor and youngster Titas Sadhu were also ineffective with the former taking just three wickets in the series and the latter failing to take any.
Australia’s batters dominated India’s spinners, with Minnu Mani, Deepti Sharma and Priya Mishra unable to control the run flow or take crucial wickets. Minnu managed only two wickets in the series, conceding runs at an economy rate of 7.64, while Deepti went wicketless in three games.
Australia comfortably chased down targets in all two matches, with Georgia Voll, Anabel Sutherland and Ellyse Perry leading the charge. India’s inability to contain these batters or bowl effectively in the death overs allowed Australia to dictate terms throughout the series.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s underwhelming leadership and form
Harmanpreet Kaur’s poor performance with the bat (67 runs in three innings) was a significant blow to India’s chances. Coming in at critical junctures, her inability to anchor innings or play impactful knocks left the team without a leader in the middle. Her poor form with the bat is also affecting her captaincy.
As a captain, Harmanpreet’s tactical decisions were also questioned. Her field placements lacked intent, and her bowling changes failed to disrupt Australia’s batting momentum. With her personal form dipping, her leadership came under scrutiny, with critics questioning her ability to inspire the team during challenging phases.
Recurring issues amplified by Australia
While the series defeat was a low point, it was not entirely unexpected given India’s struggles earlier this year. Against New Zealand and South Africa, India secured comfortable victories at home. But the top-order inconsistency, ineffective bowling in the death overs, and lack of partnerships raised serious concerns. Australia’s relentless dominance magnified these flaws.
Read More: Smriti Mandhana registers 8th hundred in WODIs; Is she the greatest woman batter of India?
The path ahead
This series whitewash serves as a wake-up call for India Women ahead of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. The batting lineup needs urgent attention, particularly in ensuring that the top order converts the starts into significant scores. Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur, the pillars of India’s batting, must regain form and consistency, while younger players like Richa Ghosh need to step up.
The bowling unit also requires an overhaul, with a focus on improving death-over skills and finding bowlers who can perform under pressure. The trio of Renuka Singh, Saima Thakor and Titas Sadhu needs to revisit their strategies and adapt to counter attacking batters like those in Australia’s lineup. Somebody from the bowling attack will have to take the responsibility and lead the attack, which we haven’t seen in the recent past.
For Harmanpreet Kaur, the immediate task is to regain her batting form and lead from the front. Her ability to inspire the team through her performances will be critical as India looks to rebuild and regain confidence.
The series against Australia was a harsh reminder of the work India needs to do to compete at the highest level. While the talent within the team is undeniable, the key lies in addressing these persistent issues with urgency and intent. Only then can India hope to mount a serious challenge at the Women’s World Cup 2025.
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