After two consecutive losses in the ongoing World Cup, India faces a crucial test against England – a side they know well and have recently had success against. Speaking ahead of the match, all-rounder Deepti Sharma exuded calm confidence, emphasizing that the team remains positive and focused despite the setbacks.
“We’ve lost two matches, yes, but our morale is still high. We started the tournament well, and as a team, we always focus on staying positive,” Deepti said. “Every bowler has taken on a different role in each match whether in the powerplay or the slog overs and everyone is stepping up in their own way. The break we’ve had gave us time to plan well for the upcoming match.”
India has struggled at times against left-arm spin, a factor that England is likely to exploit with their experienced attack. Deepti acknowledged this challenge but stressed that the team had prepared thoroughly during the week-long break.
“The break helped us work specifically on areas we wanted to improve, especially against certain kinds of bowling,” she explained. “Whether it’s facing left-arm spinners or adapting to the conditions, we’ve practiced with those things in mind. As a bowling unit and as a team, we’ve trained with focus on what England brings.”
Having faced England multiple times in the recent past, Deepti believes familiarity could work in India’s favor. “We’ve played a lot against them – in the last World Cup and recent tours, so we know their strengths, both in batting and bowling,” she said. “My plan is always simple: to enjoy the situation, read it well, and contribute to the team in whatever way I can.”
For Deepti, every match is a learning opportunity. “Whether I do well or not, I always take something from each game. It’s about carrying that learning forward. One match doesn’t define us. We’ve played many good games before, and tomorrow we’ll look to bring back that positive mindset.”
Deepti also backed skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who has had a lean patch so far, to rise to the occasion. “She (Harmanpreet Kaur) is the kind of player who can change a match at any moment. As you saw in our last ODI series in England, she scored a century in the final match. She’s a great player, and we’re fully supporting her. We know what she’s capable of.”
India will play at a new venue this time, and Deepti said the team has studied the surface carefully. “The wicket looks good. We noticed in the last match here that it behaved a bit differently towards the end, so we’ve planned for that as well. We’re confident about backing each other and executing our plans.”
When asked about the team combination and whether India might use a sixth bowling option, Deepti kept her cards close. “That depends on the management and the conditions tomorrow. Whatever combination we play, whether five or six bowling options, we’re focused on performing well with the plans we’ve discussed.”
With semifinals still within reach, Deepti’s message was clear, the team’s belief remains unshaken. “If we had won those close matches, no one would be talking about mistakes. We just need to trust each other and keep backing everyone in the team. The mindset we had in our first two games is what we’ll carry into tomorrow.”
India will look to channel that mindset against England – a side they know well as they aim to turn their campaign around and keep their qualification hopes alive.
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