Who to blame for India’s choke against England? Poor strategy or poor execution by players?

Even though Team India still has a solid chance of qualifying for the Women's World Cup semis, but they have been shoddy in last three matches.

If, prior to the India vs England match in the Women’s World Cup 2025, someone would have tipped the hosts to win the encounter by chasing down 289, it would have come across as a joke. Given the form of the team, and their struggles in chasing, this would have been a steep ask; and that is exactly what happened on Sunday, when India bottled the run chase, after being in a position of strength.

The New Chokers in Women’s Cricket — Team India?

In around 41 overs, India were cruising at 234/3, needing only 55 runs in 54 deliveries. From there, not only they lost three more wickets, but could only score 50 runs, to lose the match eventually by four runs. Or even when India needed 36 from 30 and had 6 wickets in hand.

A dismal, dismal show, after dominating 90% of the chase. So, who to really blame for this mess, that India stands in — after 5 matches they are yet to qualify, with only one spot vacant, and are in direct contest with New Zealand for that. So, let’s address the elephant in the room. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur scored 70 from 70, but got out at a time when it was important to continue her partnership with Smriti Mandhana.

Harmanpreet Kaur’s Wicket the Turning Point

She played a slice back to short third man, leaving the team 167/3 in 30 overs. From there on Deepti Sharma did score a 50 from 57, but when the team still needed 27 runs in three overs, she tried go for a six, only to be caught by Sophie Dunkley; that shot when it isn’t her strength.

Richa Ghosh looked rusty, and was caught out by Heather Knight.. at this stage, one would expect India’s best hitter to get the shots right, which she couldn’t. Mandhana of course was struggling with cramps, so end of the case for her. Yes, not to forget Harleen Deol, who shows a lot of promise, but got out for 24.. just the story of her career.

Who to Blame for India’s Loss?

A word for the bowlers as well. Are they to blame too? Perhaps not. When the skipper doesn’t bowl out the full quota of overs from Renuka Thakur, her spearhead, who had an economy of 4.60, there is a certain problem. Plus, Kranti Gaud did not bowl her quota too, while Sree Charani did, who went for 68 runs. Her last over of the innings fetched 11 runs.

Honestly, this team is a lot better than the results they are delivering right now, but there is a lot of work to be put in. Yes, semis is still a real possibility, but then one must understand, that the kind of issues that persist right now, we might not be ready to win the cup this time.