- July 25, 2025
If you’ve been paying attention to the Indian women’s cricket this year, you might already be aware that something is happening. From hammering the West Indies and Ireland to beating England in England (again!), this team is peaking at the right time. But more than that, what has the fans talking is the lightning rise of Kranti Goud, a name that made no one’s radar a few months ago. With the ODI World Cup on home soil looming large on the horizon, these two stories are not merely stories; they are indications of a team starting to click.
Kranti Goud: From Backup Option to Frontline Hero
Let’s be frank. Not a lot of fans had heard of Kranti Goud before this England tour. And who could blame them? She wasn’t even on the radar during the tri-series a few months ago—just a name outside the squad list, waiting for a crack in the door. But you know what? A lot can change in a few months, or by one lucky opportunity.
At just 21, Goud’s journey is the stuff of modern cricket fairy tales. Thrust into the spotlight due to injuries to frontline pacers like Renuka Singh and Titas Sadhu, Goud didn’t just “do okay”—she made history. Her 6 for 52 at Chester-Le-Street wasn’t just statistically remarkable (youngest Indian to take a fifer in a women’s ODI, mind you), it was explosive, intelligent, and thrilling to watch. That first-over inswinger to Tammy Beaumont? Pure magic.
What makes Goud special is not just raw speed, but also having the brains – slower balls, yorkers, and bravery. Goud does not bowl and bowl; she assesses batters. So, it’s no wonder Harmanpreet, after receiving the Player of the Match herself, ceremoniously passed the match ball onto Goud, singling her out like a proud older sister.
Harmanpreet’s Statement Knocked at the Perfect Time
While the bowling spotlight was on Goud, it was Harmanpreet who reminded everyone why she’s still the boss. After a rough patch—no fifties in her last 13 ODIs and some concern around her form—she delivered a timely masterclass in the third ODI against England.
What made the knock special wasn’t just the runs, but the manner of them. She soaked up pressure, steadied the ship after early wickets, and then exploded once she got going. No rash sweeps. No panic. Just calculated aggression, smooth timing, and vintage Harmanpreet-style fireworks when it mattered most.
Rawal, Deol, and the Top-Order Conundrum India Still Needs to Crack
Not everything is sunshine, though. As impressive as India has been, the top order remains a bit of a puzzle. Pratika Rawal and Harleen Deol had their moments, but both struggled to keep the scoring rate up, especially against quality attacks like England’s.
Rawal looks solid but hasn’t quite converted starts into impact. Deol, while elegant, often gets stuck with dot-ball pressure. The worry? Their sluggish starts sometimes force Mandhana and others to take risks they might not need to. With Shafali Verma lurking in the background and Australia up next, expect some big calls around batting positions before the World Cup.
The good news? These are the kind of “good problems” that come when a team has depth and options. But the clock is ticking, and India will want to finalize their best XI fast. So, here’s a question to ponder: If this is what India looks like now, what happens when they hit full throttle in front of home crowds?
For more, visit JeetBuzz News to read our quality Cricket Blog updates. Explore if you want to reminisce and enjoy all of your favourite cricket players and nostalgic match moments. To ensure that you never miss out, keep updated and join in the fun!
