Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur are once again facing sharp criticism after India’s exit from the Women’s World Cup. As the two most experienced players in the team, they have often been compared to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for their leadership and skill.
Comparison and Criticism
While the comparisons come with respect, the response to poor form is far from equal. Smriti and Harmanpreet face intense scrutiny when they fail to perform, unlike their male counterparts who are often given more room for error.
Struggles With Form
Harmanpreet’s batting form has turned unpredictable, delivering runs in bursts instead of maintaining steady performance. Smriti, too, has struggled to find consistency. Though she shines in bilateral series, her record in ICC tournaments tells another story.
World Cup Setback
India’s last World Cup match against South Africa exposed the ongoing issues. Smriti scored 23 runs off 32 balls, while Harmanpreet managed just 9 off 24. These numbers reflect a worrying trend for India’s senior-most players.
Need for Senior Responsibility
As leaders of the side, both must rediscover their rhythm and guide the younger players through example. The team’s growth depends on their consistency and ability to perform when it matters most.
