New Delhi, June 29 (IANS) Former India captain Anjum Chopra believes India’s batting strategy cost them dearly in their crucial Women’s T20 World Cup clash against Australia, with the former skipper highlighting delayed tactical decisions, unsettled batting positions and an overly cautious approach as key reasons behind the team’s defeat.

Speaking after India’s exit from the tournament, Anjum also backed Harmanpreet Kaur to continue leading the side while urging the team management to redefine its batting philosophy for the shortest format.

Anjum felt India’s total failed to put enough pressure on a batting line-up as experienced as Australia’s and argued that the innings lacked the finishing flourish that could have changed the complexion of the contest.

“Firstly, the runs on the board were not enough. 170 is a good total, but against Australia, in basically a World Cup knockout, it was slightly below par. Then you have to back it up with early wickets. Against a team like Australia, one or two wickets won’t cut it. To choke a team like Australia, you have to score those extra runs so that your bowlers have some cushion,” Anjum told JioStar.

She also questioned the timing of Richa Ghosh’s arrival at the crease, believing India delayed deploying one of their most destructive finishers.

“Also, I felt Richa Ghosh should have been sent in by the 17th over. You didn’t get the finishing kick by sending Richa in one over too late. And the fifth bowler, as usual, continued to be an issue for the Indian team,” she added.

Moving beyond the result itself, Anjum pointed to the absence of consistency in India’s batting order, suggesting that constant reshuffling prevented players from settling into defined roles.

“If Yastika Bhatia was your No. 3 batter, then why didn’t she bat at that position in this game? If Jemimah Rodrigues was playing at No. 3 in the England series, then why didn’t she do that in the World Cup?,” Anjum questioned

She then laid out the batting structure she believes would allow India to maximise their strongest resource.

“I personally believe Harmanpreet should bat at No. 3 and, at No. 4, you should have a batter who can make a positive impact on the game, and that is Richa Ghosh. Apart from the Bangladesh game, Richa didn’t bat at No. 4 throughout the tournament. Bowling is not their greatest strength, everyone knows that, even the opposition knows it. So, if batting is India’s strength, then let it create the impact you need and hope that the bowling does the rest. Australia is a well-oiled unit, against them, scoring at seven an over won’t win you games, you’ll have to go at 9s,” the former India captain expressed.

Despite India’s disappointing campaign, Anjum expressed confidence that Harmanpreet remains the right person to captain the T20I side. However, she insisted that the team must embrace a more fearless batting identity if it hopes to compete consistently with the world’s leading teams.

“I still think she is the best captain to lead India. I don’t think any other player is ready for captaincy at this point. If we start talking about areas to work on, from captaincy to batting to bowling, it will be a long list of homework. The most important focus area should be the approach needed for the T20 format. We only see it in its full glory in the WPL.

“As soon as they come back to the Indian team, they go into their shell again. Go all out. If not 200, at least get to 180. Back yourself to go that distance. The top order didn’t back itself enough. I feel Harmanpreet is your best captain at this point, but who are your best batters when it comes to that fearless approach? Finding answers to that should begin from the very next day,” Anjum stated.

–IANS

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