‘One match doesn’t define them’: Richa Ghosh defends struggling Indian top-order

Richa Ghosh backs top-order despite failures. (Photo: X)

India’s 3-wicket loss to South Africa in a thrilling ICC Women’s ODI World Cup clash — where the lower-order batters swung momentum for both sides — has highlighted two key weaknesses in Harmanpreet Kaur’s squad that could hinder the hosts’ bid for their maiden title.

The shortcomings of India's top-order batting and the scarcity of bowling resources were further exposed by Thursday's loss to South Africa, which might bring the juggernaut to a grinding halt.

Even though wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, who helped India reach a competitive total of 251 all out with a brilliant knock of 94 off 77 balls and a no-holds-barred attack by Sneh Rana in a cameo of 33 off 24, encouraged the top-order batsmen and predicted that they would bounce back hard in the upcoming series, the issue appears to be somewhat ingrained and requires quick attention.

However, after South Africa collapsed to 69 all out in their opening match against England, captain Laura Wolvaardt's cool 70 and Chloe Tryon's crucial 49 helped them stomp to their second consecutive victory in this World Cup. Nadine de Klerk's equally spectacular knock of 84 off 54 balls, which included five sixes, was the most by a late-order batter.

Also Read | ICC Women's World Cup 2025: Harmanpreet Kaur blames top-order failure for loss against South Africa

After the top-order faltered once more and the middle-order of Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma also struggled, leaving India reeling at 102/6 against South Africa on Thursday evening, Richa Ghosh, along with Amanjot and Sneh, steadied the innings. The trio stitched together crucial half-century partnerships to guide India to a competitive total.

"First, about the top order — they’re all very good players. One match doesn’t define them. Anything can happen in cricket; it’s our job to do our best every time. You can’t always put the blame on the top order," said Richa in the post-match press conference.

The lower-order batters did their job, and India’s pacers made early inroads with two quick wickets. Spinners Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, and Shree Charani then struck crucial blows, reducing South Africa to 142/6 and pushing the required rate to 10 runs per over. However, pacer Kranti Gaud’s 47th over in her third spell proved decisive, as de Klerk smashed two sixes and a four off the first three balls, bringing the target down to a more manageable 24 runs off 21 balls.

"Secondly, we never gave up on the match — we played till the last ball and tried to get as many runs as possible. But yes, I think the turning point came in Kranti’s over — that two sixes and one four she hit really changed the momentum. Otherwise, everything was under control," said Richa.

She also refused to place the blame on the bowling unit's pacers, who were further reduced when the team management chose to bench Renuka Singh in favor of batting all-rounder Amanjot Kaur, a medium-pacing bowler who had been sidelined by sickness during the match against Pakistan.

"Whatever plans we had, we tried to execute them. The pace bowlers followed their plans too. But credit to the opposition — they batted really well. The way they hit the ball was outstanding. I think full credit goes to them for playing such good shots," said Richa.

India’s chances were further hampered when they dropped Chloe Tryon off Sneh Rana, a missed opportunity that could have deepened South Africa’s troubles at 142/6 and strengthened India’s position.

India will need to bounce back from Thursday's crushing loss and get the campaign back on track as they play reigning champions Australia, England, and New Zealand in their next three games.

"We’ll sit down and review — see what went well, where we can improve, and how we can keep learning every day. There’ll be a meeting for that. One game won’t change our mindset. We’ll plan things step by step during practice sessions and stay positive. Whatever lessons we got from today’s match, we’ll carry those forward," said Richa.

There is no doubt that the top-order batting requires urgent attention. Despite having a fantastic season thus far, Smriti Mandhana appears to have lost her form at the World Cup, scoring just 54 runs in three games as opposed to 900 plus in 14 innings before that.

"We’ll sit down and review — see what went well, where we can improve, and how we can keep learning every day. There’ll be a meeting for that. One game won’t change our mindset. We’ll plan things step by step during practice sessions and stay positive. Whatever lessons we got from today’s match, we’ll carry those forward," said Richa.

The team management must mend the rift in time to save the campaign, and a few strategic moves could make things right.