The Indian women’s team finds itself in a must-win situation in its remaining two group-stage matches against Bangladesh and Australia after suffering a loss to South Africa in the ongoing T20 World Cup. Former India cricketer Jhulan Goswami, however, has backed Harmanpreet Kaur and her team to defeat Australia at Lord’s on June 28.The legendary pace bowler also heaped praises on Deepti Sharma, who is on the verge of surpassing Jhulan’s record for most wickets in international women’s cricket.
In this exclusive conversation, Jhulan shared her views on India’s defeat to South Africa, the challenge of facing Australia, the lack of discipline among the medium pacers, the availability of Renuka Thakur, and more.
Excerpts from the interview:
Where did India go wrong against South Africa?
Jhulan Goswami: It wasn’t the result we were expecting, and unfortunately, we didn’t get those two points. But I think it’s important to focus on the positives as well. I liked India’s attitude and intent. From the beginning, the message was clear from Smriti and Shafali—they were going to attack South Africa’s quality pace bowlers. That intent was evident, and I really appreciated that approach.
Yes, India could have scored 170-plus, but unfortunately, wickets fell at regular intervals. The middle order got starts but couldn’t convert them into significant contributions. When you’re off to a good start, it’s important to finish strongly. Another positive was Shafali opening the bowling. That was a clear indication that the team management had specific match-ups in mind. It was a brave move. Although India didn’t win the match, there were several moments where they were brilliant. However, fielding was an area where India could have done much better. In T20 cricket, taking half-chances can make a huge difference. Had India taken those opportunities, the result could have been different.
How crucial will fielding be for India going forward after the dropped catches against South Africa?
Jhulan Goswami: You’re absolutely right. Fielding is an area where teams need to perform consistently. Catches win matches. In the first two games against Pakistan and the Netherlands, India’s catching was excellent. Against South Africa, it wasn’t up to that standard. But I’m sure the team will regroup and come back stronger. The next two matches against Bangladesh and Australia are crucial. If India win both, they’ll reach the semi-finals. As a group, they’ll sit together, discuss what went wrong, and work on correcting those mistakes. The goal will be to play as a champion team.
Is Deepti Sharma’s wicketless and expensive spell against South Africa a concern for India despite her excellent recent form?
Jhulan Goswami: Deepti is one of the key members of this side. She contributes with both the bat and ball and provides immense stability. Unfortunately, Shreyanka Patil’s injury disrupted a combination that was working well between Shreyanka, Asha Sobhana, and Deepti. Against South Africa, Deepti perhaps didn’t get enough support from the other end.
These things happen in cricket. One day you’re outstanding, the next day things don’t go your way. It simply wasn’t Deepti’s day. But Deepti knows how to bounce back. She’s done it before, and I strongly believe she’ll return stronger in the next game. Her role is vital because she can bat at No. 5 as a left-hander, she can be used as a floater, and she can bowl in the powerplay, middle overs, or even at the death. Over the years, she’s developed variations such as the arm ball and slider, which have become important weapons. She had a five-wicket haul against Pakistan earlier in the tournament, so she already has momentum behind her.
Deepti is on the verge of surpassing your record for most international wickets in women’s cricket. How will you describe her success?
Jhulan Goswami: It would be an incredible achievement. When Deepti started, she was a very different player. Today, she is one of the most important members of the Indian team across all formats. She has been remarkably consistent. In the 50 overs Women’s World Cup, she was Player of the Series and finished as the highest wicket-taker. She knows how to take wickets and is always looking to improve her skills. She never says no to a challenge. Whenever the team needs a wicket, she’s willing to step up. Some days she succeeds, some days she doesn’t, but that’s cricket. I’m very happy that she’s approaching this milestone. Hopefully, she crosses it against Bangladesh. She has all my best wishes, and I hope this is just the beginning. I would love to see her go on and reach 400 international wickets.
Looking ahead to the game against Australia, you’ve played many matches against them during your career. What about the pressure of playing a top team like Australia?
Jhulan Goswami: We all know Australia are one of the finest teams in world cricket. They’ve won multiple ICC tournaments and possess tremendous experience. They’re also a very ruthless team. They always want to win, and they never back down from a challenge. They’ll certainly come hard at India, especially because India beat them in the previous ICC event.
Whenever Australia lose to India in a major tournament, they usually come back even stronger next time. That said, if there’s one team capable of beating Australia, it’s India. This Indian team has the skill and the ability. India recently won a T20I series in Australia, so they know they can compete and win. India has one of the strongest batting line-ups, with Smriti and Shafali forming one of the finest opening partnerships in world cricket. Harmanpreet has a strong record against Australia. Jemimah has done well against them. Smriti has an excellent record. Deepti and Richa also have good records. So, I genuinely believe India can do well against Australia.
Having played at Lord’s, what are the challenges that a bowler would face at that ground, especially with regard to the slope factor?
Jhulan Goswami: Understanding the dimensions of the ground is extremely important. Many grounds in England have a natural slope, which means one end can be uphill while the other is downhill. Teams need to make smart and tactical decisions regarding which bowlers to operate from which end. I won’t go into specific tactical details, but using the slope correctly can make a significant difference. Players need to understand how to use both the uphill and downhill ends effectively. Fortunately, many Indian players such as Smriti, Jemimah, Harmanpreet, Richa, and Deepti have played in England’s domestic competitions and are familiar with these conditions.
Have India’s pacers been a little erratic with their line and length?
Jhulan Goswami: In any format, line and length are crucial. Variations are important too, but execution matters most. There are days when conditions make it difficult to bowl consistently in the right areas. On other days, everything clicks. I don’t think India’s bowling attack has been poor. However, there is a little inexperience in the pace department at the moment. For me, Renuka Singh is a very important member of this bowling attack.
Do you expect Renuka Singh to play against Australia?
Jhulan Goswami: If she’s fit, absolutely. India are missing some experience in their pace attack. Nandini has only recently started her international career, and while Arundhati and Titas have shown promise, India still need a bowler who can consistently provide breakthroughs in the powerplay. If Renuka is fit, I believe she should be in the playing XI.
Finally, what message would you give to the team ahead of the big game against Australia?
Jhulan Goswami: Go out there and enjoy the game. Be clear about your plans and play fearless cricket. Don’t focus on the result. Focus on executing your plans and staying one step ahead of Australia. If India can do that, they have every chance of winning.
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