Despite facing consecutive losses against South Africa and Australia, the Indian women’s cricket team maintains high spirits ahead of their critical Women’s World Cup clash against England this Sunday at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. All-rounder Deepti Sharma asserts that the team’s morale is robust, even as their World Cup journey has encountered a challenging phase with two three-wicket defeats. To secure a spot in the semifinals, India must now win two of their remaining three league matches.
Sharma strongly emphasizes the squad’s positive outlook. “We might have lost two matches,” she stated to reporters on Saturday, “but our morale remains very high because we performed exceptionally well in the initial two games of the tournament. Our approach is always to maintain a positive mindset and concentrate on our collective strengths and past successes.”
The effectiveness of India’s bowling unit has been a key discussion point, especially after recent matches saw them fielding only a five-bowler setup. When questioned about potential changes to the bowling combination for the upcoming match, Deepti remained tight-lipped, simply stating, “I can’t tell you that. That’s the team management’s call.” This response hints at a possible tactical adjustment, perhaps even the inclusion of a sixth bowling option, keeping fans and analysts guessing.
She further elaborated on the versatility of her fellow bowlers, noting that “different bowlers have stepped up in different matches.” Sharma commended their ability to perform their assigned roles effectively across all phases of the game – during the powerplay, middle overs, and slog overs. She confidently added, “We have planned well for tomorrow’s game,” underscoring the team’s readiness.
Drawing confidence from historical performances, Deepti pointed to India’s 2-1 ODI series victory against England in their last away series. “That series gave us a lot of valuable lessons, and ultimately, we emerged victorious,” she recalled. “It truly boils down to how we perform on the day. I am well-acquainted with their bowling attack and how their batters strategize, which allows me to keep my own plans straightforward and effective.”
Regarding Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Deepti offered unwavering support, despite Kaur’s recent performances not having made a significant impact. “Harmanpreet is the type of player who can single-handedly turn a game around at any moment,” Sharma affirmed. “She proved this by scoring a century in our last ODI against England. She is a genuine match-winner, and we are all firmly behind her. I have no doubt that she possesses the ability, and I’m confident we will witness her outstanding performance tomorrow.”
Finally, Deepti detailed the team’s meticulous preparation for the specific conditions in Indore. “We meticulously studied the last few matches played here, including the game between Australia and South Africa,” she explained. “Noting how the wicket behaved differently in the final 20 overs, we have tailored our strategies accordingly. As a team, we are incredibly positive about supporting one another and flawlessly executing our game plans.”