India’s Women’s World Cup campaign has been steady but far from blistering. Two wins from four games have kept Harmanpreet Kaur and her side afloat – but as the tournament heads towards its business end, steady will no longer be enough. With Australia and South Africa already nursing their semi-final berths, India now find themselves in tricky territory where any misstep could spell trouble.
Defeats against South Africa and Australia exposed familiar weaknesses, leaving the team searching for rhythm and belief. However, their next obstacle is no less daunting. On Super Sunday, India take on four-time champions England at the Holkar Stadium in Indore – a clash that could very well define their campaign.
For England, the equation is straightforward: a win secures progress to the semi-finals and tightens the battle for the final spot. For India, it’s about rekindling the spark, rediscovering the fearless brand of cricket that once made them formidable opponents. The stakes couldn’t be higher, the margins couldn’t be slimmer – and the time for India to really make it to this World Cup is now.
Huge spin threat
India struggle against spin – especially left-arm spin – have become an open secret. From Sri Lanka’s Inoka Ranaweera to Pakistan’s Nashra Sandhu and South Africa’s Nonkululeko Mlaba, the trend has been alarmingly consistent: Indian batsmen have had to grind for every run. And as they prepare to face England, the challenge will only increase.
At the heart of England’s arsenal is Sophie Ecclestone – the world’s highest-rated bowler – who operates in a completely different league. With nine wickets at a barely believable economy rate of 2.30, she was ruthless and relentless, using her control and guile to drag the batsmen into submission.
She is supported by Lauren Smith, whose match win against South Africa has re-invigorated her confidence. Charlie Dean was also among the wickets, her skilful lower-order batting adding another layer of depth to the England side. And then there is Alice Capsey – tidy, disciplined and precise with an economy rate of 3.53 – who continues to play her role to perfection.
If that rotating trio wasn’t enough, Sarah Glenn is still waiting in the wings, ready to pounce if called upon. For India’s batsmen, this means there will be little room for breathing and even less room for error – a test not just of skill but of temperament against one of the most complete rotation units in the tournament.
Will Renuka return?
Against Australia, India’s pace attack was exposed. Alyssa Healy, Ellyse Perry, Phoebe Litchfield and Ash Gardner took them apart and revealed a lack of penetration and consistency with the new ball. And as England expand – armed with a strong line-up that now includes the returning Heather Knight – India face another stern test of skill and strategy.
The curious case of Renuka Singh’s absence remains one of the biggest issues in the Indian campaign. The swing bowler, who built his reputation on early breakthroughs and movement outside the seam, has appeared in just one game thus far — a decision that continues to baffle many. Leaving her out again against England would be hard to justify, especially given India’s desperate need for experience and control in the overs.
Kranti Goud, meanwhile, should retain her place after her six-wicket heroics at Chester-le-Street earlier this year – coincidentally against the same opposition. England have shown vulnerability to quality swing bowling in this tournament and that could be an opening for India. Dropping a spinner or even sacrificing Amanjot Kaur’s spot could be worth the gamble if it means bringing Renuka back into the fold.
Because when it comes to a crucial clash, India will need more than plans and hope – they will need their best weapons on the field. And Renuka Singh is undoubtedly one of them.
England are trying to be more clinical
England may be unbeaten in the tournament, but their campaign has not been without its share of alarms. Beneath the sheen of victory are a few nervous breakouts — and those could come back to haunt them if they don’t pull themselves together. They were pushed to the brink of chasing just 179 a against Bangladesh if not for Heather Knight’s composure under pressurethe result could easily have swung the other way.
Against Sri Lanka, it was Nat Sciver-Brunt who held the innings together while the rest faltered. However, their most critical moment came against Pakistan. Reduced to 78 for seven, England were staring at a rare defeat before being saved by rain. With Pakistan needing just 78 runs off 24.2 overs, the washout felt more like an escape than a reprieve.
Heading into the clash with India, England will know that another slip-up could be costly. History is on their side – they boast a better record than India in World Cups – but current form suggests there is little room for complacency.
For India, it is about survival and recovery; for England it’s about protecting their unbeaten run and sealing a semi-final position. In Indore on Sunday, both teams will leave with everything to play for – and nothing to take for granted.
India Women Vs. England Women: Head to Head
Overall
Matches – 79, India – 36, England – 41, No Result – 2
in India
Matches – 31, India – 21, England – 10, No Result – 0
In the Women’s World Cup
Matches – 12, India – 4, England – 8, No Result – 0
India Women Vs. England Women: Pitch Report
The pitch at the Holkar Stadium in Indore is decent for batting with an average score of around 280 in the ongoing World Cup. After winning the toss, teams should decide to line up first.
India Women Vs. England Women: Match details
India and England will play at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. The match will start at 15:00 IST.
India Women vs England Women: Live Streaming
The tournament will be streamed live on the JioHotstar app. The matches will also be telecast on Star Sports Network.
India Women Vs. England Women: Likely Playing XI
India Women Probable Playing XI
Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Amanjot Kaur/Renuka Singh, Sneh Rana, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani
England Women Likely Playing XI
Tammy Beaumont, Amy Jones (wk), Heather Knight, Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Sophia Dunkley, Emma Lamb, Alice Capsey, Charlotte Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Em Arlott/Sarah Glenn, Linsey Smith
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
October 19, 2025
