India might have battled hard to book their spot in the semi-finals of the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, but now a true challenge awaits, a fierce knockout against Australia, the reigning champions, at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. With Harmanpreet Kaur leading the side, team selection dilemmas have taken center stage: should India bolster their bowling or rely on the batters for stability in a high-pressure game?
Pratika Rawal’s unfortunate injury, coming as she tried to save a boundary against Bangladesh dealt a major blow to India’s campaign. Pratika had been a pillar at the top of the order, racking up 308 tournament runs with an average north of 50. Her absence gives both captain Harmanpreet and coach Amol Muzumdar some serious decisions to make: do they shake up the batting order or bring in additional bowlers to challenge Australia’s power-packed lineup?
West Indies legend Ian Bishop advocated a flexible approach. He suggested sending Harleen Deol as an opener if needed, highlighting her affinity for pace and noting that it would offer Harmanpreet an extra bowler within the playing XI.
“Australia are going to look to target even harder one or two of those to put pressure on India so that Harmanpreet then has to go, whether it’s to herself for some part-time bowling. So again, that’s my thing. I like the comfort of knowing I have an all-rounder who can give me some runs if called upon, but who can also give me some specialist bowling,” Bishop said.
The question of bowling depth isn’t new, but with Australia’s threatening lineup, India might need all hands-on deck. Bishop even mentioned that Harmanpreet may have to pitch in if their primary bowler’s struggle.
Turning to Shafali Verma, her possible comeback offers both excitement and uncertainty. Shafali hasn’t featured in an ODI for nearly a year, but injuries have opened the door for her return. Though her numbers against Australia aren’t stellar, her explosive batting and recent T20 form could give India an edge at the top.
As Shafali hasn’t played much recently, her mindset is key. She needs to see this as her chance to make a mark for the team and the country. He stated “She has to come in with this mindset. I got this opportunity to make a difference, to make a difference for this team and perhaps for this country. I’ll try to remain as relaxed as possible, but I’m going to make the most of this opportunity and fill the void adequately. So that’s the mindset, and the execution of course has to be built up in her practice sessions leading into this game.”
If India puts faith in Shafali, they get a fearless batter who can put Australia’s bowlers on notice from the first ball. If they choose Harleen, they shore up the lineup with more bowling reliability. Either way, every move and every selection could be crucial as India prepares for its latest World Cup crossroads.
When the pressure is at its peak, tactical flexibility and the next player’s mentality will count for more than past records. Harmanpreet’s side must harness belief and sharp decision-making to make it past the semi-final hurdle and keep their title dreams alive.
(Quotes sourced from Hindustan Times)
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