Anjum Chopra Advises Harmanpreet Kaur to Show More Patience and Calls for Team Balance Ahead of India vs South Africa Clash
New Delhi, Oct 8 (TheTrendingPeople.com): As Team India gears up to face South Africa in their next World Cup fixture, former India captain Anjum Chopra has offered a strategic assessment of the squad’s current form and leadership approach. Speaking on JioHotstar, Chopra shared valuable insights into Harmanpreet Kaur’s batting temperament, India’s team composition, and the inspiring journey of rising star Kranti Goud.
Having secured two consecutive wins in the tournament, India aims to extend its winning streak to three and reclaim the top spot on the points table. However, according to Chopra, the team and its captain still have important tactical adjustments to consider.
“Harmanpreet Kaur Should Give Herself More Time at the Crease”
Reflecting on Harmanpreet Kaur’s recent batting performances, Chopra suggested that the Indian skipper needs to show greater patience at the crease rather than attempting to dominate bowlers from the start.
“Harmanpreet Kaur should give herself a little extra time at the crease,” Chopra said. “Every time she walks in, she seems to think like a 20 or 25-year-old, who can just go out there and hit the ball around the park. Yes, she can, but she doesn’t need to. The situation often doesn’t demand that kind of aggression. She just needs to spend a bit more time in the middle, even if it means batting through 10 overs without losing her wicket.”
The former India captain emphasized that maintaining composure and avoiding unnecessary risks could help Kaur convert her starts into match-winning innings.
“Avoiding rash shots and keeping her focus intact will be key,” Chopra added. “It’s easier said than done because when you’re out in the middle, the pressure and scoreboard can get to you. But that’s where the difference lies between a good player and a match-winner. The day Harmanpreet crosses that 35 or 38 not out mark and finishes India’s innings—whether setting a total or chasing one—she’ll feel far more comfortable and at ease; both as captain and as a batter.”
Balancing the Line-Up: “India Needs a Sixth Bowling Option”
Apart from leadership and batting temperament, Chopra also addressed one of India’s recurring challenges—team balance. She pointed out that India’s current line-up lacks a sixth bowling option, which could prove crucial in high-pressure games.
“If Amanjot Kaur is fit and Renuka Singh Thakur is also available, then naturally, one of the batters may have to sit out,” Chopra noted. “In my view, you wouldn’t want to change the opening pair of Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana, and you’d also want to continue with Richa Ghosh because she has shown better temperament in the last couple of games. But if India is to field a sixth bowling option, which I feel they eventually must, then a batter will need to make way.”
Chopra highlighted that the top-order batters currently do not contribute significantly with the ball, which restricts India’s flexibility in the bowling department.
“Whether we like it or not, the top five batters currently don’t bowl,” she explained. “If Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, or even Harleen Deol were contributing seven to eight overs between them, this wouldn’t even be a discussion. But in a World Cup, you need six bowlers—that’s the minimum requirement.”
This, Chopra said, is not merely a matter of selection but one of long-term strategy, as the balance between batters and bowlers could define India’s performance in the knockout stages.
Kranti Goud’s Inspiring Journey: “A Story of Dreams and Determination”
Shifting focus to one of the most heartwarming stories of the tournament, Anjum Chopra praised the remarkable rise of Kranti Goud, one of the youngest members of the Indian squad. The young cricketer has quickly become an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the country.
“Kranti Goud herself has such an inspiring story,” Chopra shared. “She’s the youngest among her siblings, and despite her father losing his job, the family continued to support her dream of playing cricket. Her brothers stood by her, helping her reach this level.”
Chopra revealed how Kranti’s achievements have become a moment of pride for her community.
“She mentioned how a big LED screen was set up in her village—not just in the city in Madhya Pradesh where she currently lives, but also in her village—so that everyone could watch her play. That’s such a proud moment for her and for everyone back home,” Chopra said.
The veteran cricketer pointed out how Goud’s enthusiasm has positively influenced the dressing room dynamic.
“When you look at Kranti’s excitement and then at others in the dressing room who have played multiple World Cups with all their experience and wisdom, you can see how this mix is positively influencing the team’s environment,” she added.
India’s Road Ahead: Aiming for Consistency and Tactical Discipline
India’s next challenge against South Africa will test both their consistency and adaptability. While the top order has provided solid starts, middle-order stability and bowling depth remain critical areas of focus.
Under Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership, the team has shown resilience and unity. Yet, as Chopra suggests, India’s success in this tournament will depend on how quickly they adapt to evolving match conditions and manage internal balance.
If the captain can lead by example—batting with patience and strategic clarity—the team could find the perfect formula to dominate both group and knockout stages.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Anjum Chopra’s remarks come at a pivotal moment for Indian women’s cricket, as the team looks to translate its promising start into long-term consistency. Her advice to Harmanpreet Kaur—to stay calm, assess situations, and anchor the innings—reflects the maturity that India will need to sustain momentum in the tournament.
Chopra’s emphasis on a sixth bowling option underlines a critical tactical adjustment that could give India a competitive edge, while her admiration for Kranti Goud’s inspiring story reminds fans of the human spirit driving this team forward.
As India prepares to face South Africa, the balance between composure, aggression, and team depth will determine whether they can continue their winning streak and solidify their place at the top of the points table.