LEFT-HAND VIEW: India cannot be a perennial 'nearly there' team; make Harmanpreet leader of the pack

Another World Cup, another loss. If not in the final, then in the semis. On this occasion, without reaching the semis!


The analysis of the situation is a must for remedial action. Was it poor play? Was it a lack of skill? Was it a lack of intent or poor decision-making, or poor execution, above all?

I would say it was a lack of skill and intent from game one onwards. Against Pakistan, when India batted first, the batting display was absolutely bizarre. To get the ball off the square was a challenge for India batters, until Pooja Vastrakar and Sneh Rana decided to play some positive cricket.

The challenge continued until a better display came against the West Indies. It was bad decision-making as well. To bat second against New Zealand and the continuous underutilisation of bowling resources was glaring right through the tournament.

In the must-win game against South Africa, for Mithali Raj to not use Harmanpreet Kaur for the two remaining overs of her quota was baffling. A bowler who had brought the team success by breaking two partnerships when all others struggled to find the correct length to bowl on left one wondering why she was not getting to bowl again. Then, to get a seamer when the Indian spinners were dominating indicated poor decision-making and changed the run of play at a crucial juncture.

Decision-making is an art, not a science. Apart from game sense, one needs guts and a strong bone in the body to make an informed decision.