It seems both luck and pluck are deserting the Indian women’s team in the ongoing ICC ODI World Cup. When they were defending a target in their previous two games against South Africa and Australia, they were a bowler short, and when they were chasing a target against England in Indore on Sunday, they were a batter short, having replaced Jemimah Rodrigues with Renuka Thakur. 

Losing momentum

Of course, that was not the sole reason for the defeat in all three games. They had complete hold on these matches, but let it slip as immense pressure got the better of them and made them take the wrong route when a judicious approach would have won them the day. If the bowling at the death left much to be desired in the previous two games, against England, it was indiscreet shot selection that did them in, beginning with vice-captain Smriti Mandhana’s soft dismissal.