With the much-anticipated India – England Women’s World Cup 2025 encounter on October 19, the Indian dressing room is abuzz with strategy, determination, and above all admiration. Not only for the strength of the opposition, but for the brilliance of England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, a player widely regarded as one of the most complete all-rounders in modern women’s cricket.
Sciver-Brunt’s consistency has earned respect across the cricketing world, and the Indian team isn’t shy in acknowledging the impact she has had. Jemimah Rodrigues, speaking ahead of the match, expressed deep admiration for the English skipper’s ability to shape a contest almost single-handedly. “Nat is someone who can control the game very well,” Jemimah said. “She’s just consistently won games for England and that is always a threat.”
Rodrigues’ words resonated with the tone of preparation in the Indian camp, one built not on fear, but on intelligent respect. The players know that if they are to outclass England, they will first have to outthink one of the sharpest cricketing minds in the women’s game.
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who has faced Sciver-Brunt numerous times over the years, offered a captain’s perspective filled with insight. “She is someone who is leading the team from the front and being always there for the team whenever they need,” Kaur said. “Performing in front of her is also challenging because she looks calm, but at the same time she is very aggressive inside.”
That blend of calmness and aggression, Kaur knows, is what makes Sciver-Brunt a match-winner. The English captain has a knack for soaking up pressure, adapting to conditions, and then launching into a counterattack that leaves opponents reeling.
Among the younger players, Amanjot Kaur stood out with her words of aspiration. A rising all-rounder herself, she spoke with passion about wanting to emulate Sciver-Brunt’s influence on the game. “I want to make it a habit to turn matches in India’s favour just like Nat does with the bat and ball for England. Hopefully, I will do the same for India,” she said, displaying both respect and ambition.
Meanwhile, spin all-rounder Deepti Sharma brought in the mindset of a strategist. Known for her calm under pressure and her ability to deliver breakthroughs at key moments, Deepti explained her thought process when facing big names. “When some batter, not only Nat comes in, I always think about the plan, how I can give a breakthrough to the team. That is my mindset,” she said confidently.
The focus for India, as several players pointed out, is preparation and clarity of plans. Jemimah emphasized that the team understands the magnitude of the challenge. The India team needs to get plans right if they want to get Nat out and win the match against England. Harmanpreet states, the team is well aware of what Sciver-Brunt can bring as a challenge, and they can always prepare accordingly.
As the stage sets for the October 19 clash, one thing is clear this isn’t just another group-stage match. It’s a contest of character. India’s talented, determined side is ready to meet a powerful England unit led by a captain admired even by her rivals. The battle between Nat Sciver-Brunt’s composure and Harmanpreet Kaur’s intensity promises to light up the tournament once again.
(Quotes sourced from Star Sports)
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