“Now, There Is Much More Clarity”: Sushma Verma Backs India’s Batting To Stand Tall At The World Cup

Former India wicketkeeper Sushma Verma says India’s batting has grown from being top‑heavy to well-rounded and fearless, and that the Harmanpreet Kaur‑led side should not feel intimidated by any opponent at the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup. She believes the team’s new depth and defined roles have changed the way India chase and set totals, especially in pressure games at home.

Why The Batting Looks Strong

Sushma pointed to a clear shift over the last two years, from reliance on a couple of stars to contributions from multiple batters in different phases of the innings. In her words:

“Earlier, we used to talk about how the batting side was heavily dependent on Harman and Smriti. Now, there is much more clarity in the team.”

She highlighted how emerging and established names are adding runs and tempo across the order.

“Players like Pratika and Richa are contributing, Jemimah has always been contributing, and Smriti and Harman are there too. There is a very strong message for opponents that this is not a side you can easily scare away by making 250 runs.”

Role Clarity And Preparation

India’s off‑spin bowling allrounder Sneh Rana underlined why the batting (and the broader unit) looks calmer under pressure: everyone knows their job before the first ball is bowled.

“I play as a bowling all‑rounder in the team, and there is a lot of clarity about which position you will bat at and which overs you are going to bowl.”

She added that consistency in preparation is the anchor, whether in camps or live matches.

“Sticking to your strengths helps everybody. Yes, you put in variations and learn, but at the end of the day, your strength is what gives you success.”

Form Check Before The World Cup

India arrive with strong recent evidence that the batting group can handle different conditions and opponents. They beat England in both T20Is and ODIs away, then pushed Australia deep in a high‑scoring home ODI series that ended 2–1. One match brought a commanding 102‑run win; in another, India fell just short chasing 400‑plus, showing sustained scoring power. Even in defeat, the batting tempo and belief were clear—exactly what is needed in a tournament where par totals shift quickly on flat decks.

What Clarity Looks Like On The Field

Clarity shows up in small, repeatable habits:

• Powerplay intent that balances risk with strike rotation, not just boundary hunts.

• Middle‑overs control against spin through busy running, sweeps, and strong matchups.

• Finishing layers in overs 41–50, where two batters can surge without panic.

With multiple players comfortable at different tempos, India can adjust to surfaces on the go—moving a hitter up if needed, sliding an anchor into a stabilising role, and using left‑right combinations to keep bowlers guessing.

Opening Match And The Path Ahead

The World Cup begins for India against co‑hosts Sri Lanka in Guwahati on September 30. With home crowds and familiar pitches, this is a prime chance to break the title jinx in 50‑over ICC events. Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership, Smriti Mandhana’s form, and the support of in‑form middle‑order batters make India one of the leading contenders to go deep.

What It Means For Opponents

Toss‑up 250s will not intimidate this India. Teams will need disciplined new‑ball spells, wicket‑taking plans in the middle overs, and precise death bowling to keep India under par. For India, the task is to keep the clarity that has brought them here—same roles, same routines, same trust—so that big‑game moments feel like any other over.