In a crucial tactical shift, India decided to bring Renuka Singh Thakur back into the playing XI for their must-win ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 match against England. This change strengthens India’s bowling attack, but it means Jemimah Rodrigues is left out. The move indicates India’s intent to create a more bowling-heavy lineup, addressing their notable struggle with wicket-taking.
India has faced challenges with the old ball throughout this World Cup. In their last three matches, they managed to take only 13 wickets combined, while opponents scored at an average of 5.2 runs per over during the middle overs (11–40). This lack of regular breakthroughs and pressure has been detrimental during critical moments of the game. Renuka’s inclusion is viewed as a potential remedy for this ongoing issue. A dependable new-ball bowler, Renuka consistently delivers, as reflected in her career ODI bowling average of 23.8 and an economy rate of 4.9.
Furthermore, her track record against England is noteworthy, having taken 8 wickets in just 3 WODIs against them, including a standout performance of 4/29 in the 2022 series. With only 4 total wickets taken by India’s new-ball bowlers in the last three matches, the need for a skilled swing bowler like Renuka has become more pronounced. Her return also provides an additional bowling option, which has often been a missing piece for captain Harmanpreet Kaur in tightly contested matches.
On the other hand, Jemimah Rodrigues’ exclusion has attracted scrutiny, given her standing as one of India’s most reliable middle-order hitters. However, her performance in this tournament hasn’t been convincing; she’s managed just 65 runs in 4 innings, averaging 16.25 with a strike rate of around 65. This is well below her career average of 36.2 and the typical strike rate of 80+. Her struggles to find momentum, particularly in chases where swift scoring is essential, have affected the team’s rhythm.
In contrast, India’s top-order, featuring Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal, has been the main source of runs, leaving less room for a more cautious middle-order approach. By sidelining Jemimah, India has chosen to add another bowler without significantly harming their batting depth, as Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana can contribute effectively in the lower order. The management appears to be favouring a strategy centred on aggressive bowling, relying on their top-order to provide stability with the bat.
Renuka’s comeback not only bolsters the effectiveness of the new ball but also adds balance to a bowling lineup that has lacked diversity. With her alongside Deepti Sharma, Kranti Goud, Amanjot Kaur, and N. Charani, India now has a mix of pace and spin suited to the conditions in Indore.
In the end, this decision is about addressing a strategic gap that has cost India important matches rather than just dropping Jemimah. If Renuka can secure early breakthroughs and the team maintains its batting discipline, this bold reshuffle could significantly impact India’s World Cup journey.
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