2025 Women’s ODI World Cup: Harmanpreet Kaur’s Crucial Role in India’s Tenuous Quest

The crucial showdown between India and England at Holkar Stadium on Sunday will feature two intriguing figures: Harmanpreet Kaur and Nat Sciver-Brunt. Both players have spent three seasons sharing a dressing room in the Women’s Premier League with the Mumbai Indians, where they secured two titles. Earlier this year, the duo participated in a three-match ODI series, which India won 2-1, as they prepared for their first ODI World Cup campaigns as captains.

Currently, confidence is what distinguishes them. Sciver-Brunt will enter the match leading an unbeaten England side aiming to secure a spot in the semifinals. Although they have been pushed to the brink of defeat, England has either found ways to win or been saved by the subcontinental monsoon. In contrast, India and Harmanpreet are grappling with the pressures of two consecutive defeats to South Africa and Australia, making victories in the remaining games essential to avoid leaving their tournament fate to chance.

Sunday could once again bring these two players to the forefront. Sciver-Brunt has been the stabilizer for England’s batting lineup. Except for Fatima Sana’s excellent inswinger that dismissed her for just four runs, Sciver-Brunt has shown comfort against both seam and spin, evident by her run-a-ball 117 against Sri Lanka, which showcased her skills.

Harmanpreet, however, has faced challenges, especially on home ground. With a top score of only 22 thus far, she has struggled to command with the bat and faced criticism for an unusually passive approach in field management during the tournament. Although the Indian team has strategies to address these issues, special focus is needed on Harmanpreet the batter. Historically, Harmanpreet excels in World Cups, boasting a higher average of 45.09 compared to her career average of 36.69 in the format. Her iconic unbeaten 171 against Australia in 2017 stands out as her most memorable performance.

When the Indian batting lineup is faltering, Harmanpreet’s ability to counterattack is crucial, a fact she acknowledges. This perhaps explains her extensive solo training session in preparation for the upcoming game.

Harmanpreet has several historic performances to draw inspiration from. Notably, her unbeaten 107 against England during the 2013 World Cup and the brilliant 84-ball 102 against the same team earlier this year, where she demonstrated her prowess in power-hitting. Her half-century in the exciting third ODI against Australia last month was also vital in keeping India in the chase.

With captains like Alyssa Healy, Laura Wolvaardt, and Sophie Devine leading their teams in pivotal matches, India will need Harmanpreet to showcase her relentless aggression on what could be a flat Indore pitch in this must-win game to keep the campaign steady.

Published on October 17, 2025.