New Delhi, Oct 17 (NationPress) The 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup journey for India is currently in a challenging position as they prepare for a crucial encounter with England at the Holkar Stadium this Sunday. Since 2020, India has struggled to secure a victory against any SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) team in both 50-over and 20-over ICC tournaments.

With England gaining early momentum and proving to be tough opponents, India cannot afford another setback, as it could jeopardize their hopes of reaching the semi-finals and lead to an early exit.

In an exclusive discussion with IANS, former Indian captain and analyst Anjum Chopra shares her insights on the remaining league matches, the debate over the five-bowler strategy, and areas where the batting order needs improvement. Here are some highlights:

Q. With England, New Zealand, and Bangladesh still ahead, how do you evaluate India’s prospects for reaching the semi-finals?

A. Firstly, India must secure a win. They started strong with two victories, but the following two matches didn’t go as planned, despite showing resilience after the loss to South Africa. Although they played commendable cricket, there remains a sense that they could have performed even better, possibly converting opportunities into wins. They've made significant corrections, as evidenced by their scoring 330.

Now, it's imperative for India to regain their winning momentum. Each match is critical, especially with potential rain in Colombo, and given England's strong start in this World Cup, every game for India is vital.

Q. The strategy of utilizing five bowlers has faced criticism after successful chases by South Africa and Australia. Should this strategy be reevaluated?

A. It’s clear that the five-bowler approach is not ideal. While it can work, it’s not the best option. I’ve consistently advocated for a six-bowler strategy. Due to injuries and unavailability, they have struggled to find the right balance. Notably, if a bowler is included, they often lack batting skills, which is problematic for India.

While some players have been given chances to establish themselves, the absence of effective all-rounders limits the team's flexibility. Therefore, despite the challenges faced, I maintain that having six bowlers is crucial.

Q. Sticking with the same XI against Australia was perceived as a show of confidence. In retrospect, did the team miss a chance to make adjustments after the loss to South Africa?

A. The thinking often is that making changes signifies panic. India lost critical moments against South Africa, leading to their defeat. The team decided to back themselves against Australia, believing they could win despite their previous loss. However, it ended in another defeat, and while losses are not openly discussed, the challenges remain.

Understanding the dynamics of the dressing room is crucial, but sacrificing a batter for a bowler creates challenges, especially with the limited fast-bowling options available.

Q. India has experienced several batting collapses, and the dot ball percentage is concerning. What improvements would you recommend?

A. Rather than focusing solely on problems, it’s essential to recognize that these issues have persisted. The inability to rotate the strike has hindered their performance. The number of boundaries hit could have been higher, and there were missed opportunities for singles after boundaries. Such missed chances can lead to collapses, reflecting on individual preparation and game awareness.

Q. How beneficial can a week-long break from the World Cup be for the Indian team?

A. A break can be advantageous as it allows players and support staff to regroup and reflect. However, the challenge is staying focused on improvement while dealing with the pressures of the tournament. The unavailability of certain players has limited options, and the current squad represents the best available talent.

Q. Is there still room for experimentation, or is it time to finalize a Plan A?

A. It depends on what alternatives are being considered. Given the constraints on player availability, the team must make strategic choices. Ideally, if all players were fit, changes might have been made earlier, but the current limitations require careful planning.