Former England captain Nasser Hussain has called on Harmanpreet Kaur, captain of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team, to step up in high-pressure matches, drawing a parallel with Australia’s Alyssa Healy, who has consistently delivered in pivotal moments. Speaking during a JioHotstar Press Room interaction, Hussain highlighted that while Harmanpreet boasts a strong overall World Cup record, her performance in the Women’s World Cup 2025 has been underwhelming, scoring just 71 runs in four games.
India’s Batting Performance: A Team Effort
Despite Harmanpreet’s slow start, Hussain pointed out that India’s batting strength lies in its depth. Opener Smriti Mandhana has accumulated 134 runs, while Pratika Rawal leads the charts with 180 runs, carrying a significant portion of the responsibility. Hussain emphasized that India are not overly reliant on their openers alone. He cited Harleen Deol as a consistent performer and warned against judging the team solely based on strike rates or individual performances at the top.
“Comparing strike rates of openers to middle-order batters can be misleading. India’s batting depth is solid,” Hussain noted, praising the contributions of the entire lineup.
The Knockout Mentality: Every Match Counts
With India currently fourth in the points table, narrow losses to South Africa and Australia have intensified pressure on the team. Hussain stressed that the remaining matches are essentially knockout encounters, leaving no room for complacency. Victory in their upcoming fixtures against England in Indore and New Zealand could virtually secure India’s progression to the semifinals.
“Like Alyssa Healy, who delivered in big games despite a few low scores earlier, I expect Harmanpreet to rise to the occasion in critical matches,” Hussain said. “Every match now is a knockout. India’s big players must step up.”
Hussain emphasized that Harmanpreet’s role as a middle-order batter and captain is pivotal. She must provide stability and anchor innings while supporting Mandhana and Rawal in key situations. The combination of experienced leaders and form players is crucial to navigating tense matches.
Middle-Order Contributions: Key to India’s Chances
In addition to the top and middle order, Hussain highlighted the importance of contributions from lower-order batters. Players like Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma are capable of shifting the momentum in tightly contested games, often forming crucial partnerships when the team faces mounting pressure.
Hussain noted that the team’s ability to build partnerships down the order could prove decisive in tight encounters. Their performances in previous World Cups demonstrate that India’s batting unit, when firing collectively, is capable of overcoming strong opposition.
Competition for Semifinal Spots
With Australia already securing a semifinal berth, India remains in contention along with England, South Africa, and New Zealand. The points table indicates that wins against England and New Zealand could virtually guarantee India a semifinal slot, but losses would increase the pressure in the final group-stage fixtures.
Hussain stressed that in such scenarios, the team must rely on its experienced campaigners to deliver under pressure, reinforcing the value of players like Harmanpreet, Mandhana, and Rawal.
Harmanpreet’s Challenge and Opportunity
For Hussain, the Women’s World Cup 2025 is not just about winning matches but also about proving leadership and temperament. He expects Harmanpreet to emulate Alyssa Healy’s approach — performing in clutch moments even if initial matches were below expectations.
“This is her chance to step up and lead from the front,” Hussain said. “Alyssa Healy recently demonstrated that one or two low scores do not define a tournament. Harmanpreet has the experience and skill to do the same for India.”
Looking Ahead
As India prepares for their crucial clash against England, the spotlight will remain on Harmanpreet Kaur. Her ability to navigate pressure, stabilize innings, and accelerate when required could define India’s trajectory in the 2025 Women’s World Cup.
With backing from experts like Hussain and the depth of the squad, India’s chances hinge on collective responsibility and key players rising to the occasion in must-win matches. The next few games will not only test India’s skills but also their mental toughness, with every run and wicket carrying significant weight toward a semifinal berth.
Match to Watch:
- India vs England — Indore, Saturday, October 18, 2025
- Time: TBD
India’s hopes rest on a mix of experience, form, and composure, with Harmanpreet Kaur at the heart of the challenge.
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