Indian pacer Titas Sadhu spoke to the media at Brisbane’s Allan Border Field ahead of the crucial second ODI against Australia women, emphasizing the team’s determination to bounce back. The youngster, celebrated for her match-winning spell in the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup final earlier last year, made her ODI debut in the series opener after a long wait following her T20I debut in 2023.
Reflecting on her journey, Sadhu said, “It was amazing because it was a long wait for me from my T20 debut to the One Day debut, but it was an amazing feeling. Okay, the match did not go the way we wanted it to, but I’m sure that we will bounce strong.”
In the opening match of the series, India faced a tough challenge as Megan Schutt dismantled their batting line-up with a career-best 5-19. India struggled to 100 runs in 34.2 overs, and though their bowlers mounted a spirited defense, Australia chased the target in just 17 overs, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Sadhu remained optimistic despite going wicketless in her 4.2-over spell and spoke about the team’s mindset. “I think the major thing that we have talked about is that one match doesn’t make you a good team or a bad team. So, we’ll just keep on doing the processes that we have followed till now and go there and try to put on the best show we can,” she explained.
India’s bowlers, led by Renuka Singh Thakur, briefly turned the tide, snaring five quick wickets after an opening partnership of 48 between Phoebe Litchfield (35 off 29) and debutant Georgia Voll (46* off 42). However, their efforts fell short as Australia sealed the win.
Sadhu acknowledged the challenges of adjusting to unfamiliar conditions and the need for better adaptability. “Well, they (conditions) are a little different than what we are used to playing, but again, I think I will be able to adjust to it better in the next game and make the most out of it,” she said.
India’s batters struggled to acclimate to the seaming conditions in Brisbane. No player managed to face 50 balls, leaving the team without a competitive total. Jemimah Rodrigues (23 off 42) stood out, appearing relatively comfortable thanks to her experience with the Brisbane Heat in the recently concluded 10th edition of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).
Sadhu highlighted the need for patience and precision moving forward. “I think we could have been a little more patient while batting. And again, while bowling, we could have been a little more in the right areas, but I think we will do better in the next match,” she remarked.
Sadhu stressed the importance of a calm approach as the team prepares for the do-or-die clash on December 8 at the same venue. “It’s all about performing for the team and I’ll try to do my best and give my best. I think the key would be to not take the match too seriously … and just stay like it’s fine, take a step back, look at it, and evaluate what we could have done better and just go from there. We have played some good cricket this year and we will take it from there,” she concluded.
With their backs against the wall, the Indian team will need a collective batting effort to keep themselves alive in the series. The second ODI promises to be a gripping encounter as the visitors strive to level the series.
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