Will Deepti's Form Make Other Teams Uneasy?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Deepti Sharma is the current leading wicket-taker in the tournament.
- Her ability to stabilize or accelerate the innings is invaluable.
- India's early victories are boosting team morale despite lack of contributions from key players.
- Upcoming matches against stronger teams will test India's depth and adaptability.
- Confidence is crucial as the tournament progresses.
New Delhi, Oct 7 (NationPress) Former Australia captain Meg Lanning provided insights into India's seasoned all-rounder Deepti Sharma's remarkable display in the initial matches of the ongoing ICC Women's Cricket World Cup. She commented that Deepti's strong start to the tournament "will make other teams very nervous."
Currently, Deepti holds the title of the tournament's leading wicket-taker, having claimed six wickets in just two matches, with her standout performance being 3-45 against Pakistan. In India's opening match against Sri Lanka, she also played a pivotal role with the bat, scoring a vital 53 runs off 53 balls.
"Deepti has a wealth of experience now, and she is well-acquainted with the playing conditions. She has found a comfortable position in the middle order, allowing her to play her natural game," Lanning remarked.
"The beauty of Deepti is her versatility—she can stabilize the innings if the team suffers early wickets or shift gears to be more aggressive when needed. This adaptability is a significant asset for the middle order," Lanning added during her interview with the ICC.
"Her bowling is also quite astute. She makes subtle adjustments that yield effective results and knows what strategies work. Her strong start to the tournament will undoubtedly boost her confidence and could unsettle other teams, especially with India's roster filled with numerous match-winners," she continued.
Despite key players like skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana yet to showcase their form, Lanning believes that early victories will enhance the Women in Blue's morale. "Winning early in the tournament without major contributions from Mandhana and Harmanpreet is beneficial. It instills confidence, and when those two do hit their stride, the team will elevate its performance further," she explained.
Following their triumph over co-hosts Sri Lanka by 59 runs in the opener, India secured an impressive 88-run victory against Pakistan, placing Harmanpreet Kaur's team at the top of the tournament standings.
India's next challenge is against South Africa at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on October 9, followed by a crucial encounter against the defending champions, Australia, on October 12.
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