Richa Ghosh has attributed her return to form at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 to timely counsel from senior teammates, including captain Harmanpreet Kaur and opener Smriti Mandhana. The 22-year-old wicketkeeper-batter played a decisive 17-ball 34 in India's commanding 64-run victory over Pakistan on Sunday, helping the side open their campaign with a statement win.

From Lean Patch to Match-Winner

The knock against Pakistan came on the back of a difficult run — Ghosh had managed just 18 runs across four innings before the tournament. A 68 in India's warm-up match against England in Cardiff signalled a revival, and her performance in the Pakistan fixture confirmed it.

Ghosh said she remained mentally composed through the lean spell. 'At that time, I just stayed focused on my game because, although I was not getting the runs at the time, I knew what I could do,' she said. 'I was thinking that I could work more on my drills and just remain focused. And that it was okay if I'm not getting it, as I was in good touch at that time, but not getting runs. This happens.'

What the Seniors Said

Ghosh revealed that conversations with experienced players proved pivotal. 'I spoke to Hari [Harmanpreet Kaur] and all the seniors, Smriti [Mandhana] too, about what to do. And they said, 'Don't worry, just play your game and just focus. That's it.' And that helped me also,' she said on Tuesday.

The exchange underscores the team culture that Indian women's cricket has cultivated — one where senior players actively mentor those going through difficult patches rather than leaving them to navigate form slumps alone.

India vs Netherlands: No Room for Complacency

India's next group-stage fixture is against the Netherlands at Headingley, Leeds, on Wednesday. Despite the Dutch side making their ICC Women's T20 World Cup debut, they came close to a historic upset in their opening match against Bangladesh at Edgbaston, narrowly missing out on a maiden World Cup win.

Ghosh made clear that India would not underestimate the debutants. 'I saw them before the World Cup. They have good bowlers, and for them it's the first time. They're doing really well, and every team is like, 'They can do well.' I think they've done really well. That's why they're here, and we are not taking any team easily, and we're just looking forward,' she said.

Netherlands Coach Full of Praise for India

Netherlands head coach Neil MacRae spoke with admiration about Wednesday's opponents and the broader rise of Indian women's cricket. 'The rise of Indian women's cricket has been an inspiration for everybody, particularly in the last few years,' he said. 'With four years of the WPL and winning their first World Cup last year in the 50-over format, you can see that progression has really come through the WPL experience and the team has gone to a different level.'

MacRae also acknowledged the significance of the occasion for his players. 'It's a privilege for us to be at a World Cup taking on a team of the might of India, a country steeped in so much history and passion for cricket,' he said, adding that the Edgbaston experience against Bangladesh — where the occasion weighed heavily on the players — had prepared them better for the India fixture. 'Having experienced that now, they're much better placed in the second game to come out and play their best cricket,' he said.

With India seeking a second consecutive global title after their Women's ODI World Cup triumph last year, the Headingley clash represents an early opportunity to consolidate momentum — and for Ghosh, a chance to prove her resurgence is no flash in the pan.