India’s top order has faced immense pressure in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, and one player who has repeatedly come under scrutiny is Harleen Deol. Known for her elegant stroke play and ability to negotiate the new ball, Deol has often provided solid starts at number three. However, her tendency to throw away wickets at crucial junctures has cost India momentum in key matches. In the high-stakes clash against England, her dismissal came at a critical moment, highlighting ongoing concerns about her conversion rate. Across the tournament, the recurring pattern of promising starts ending in premature dismissals has emerged as a significant issue for India. For the team to mount a serious challenge, Deol must transform these beginnings into impactful, big scores.
Women’s World Cup 2025: Harleen Deol throws wicket at crucial moment against England
In the match against England at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore, Harleen had settled in nicely at number three and was looking to stabilize India’s innings after the early loss of a wicket. She had compiled a steady 24 off 31 balls, striking five boundaries, before being trapped lbw by Charlie Dean. The dismissal came at a critical stage when India needed her to build a meaningful partnership and anchor the chase of 289 runs. The nature of her departure, involving a lapse in concentration, was widely described as avoidable, and the team was unable to challenge England’s total effectively. This incident reinforced the pattern of Deol failing to capitalize on her starts during high-pressure moments in the tournament.
Women’s World Cup 2025: Harleen shows steady start but fails to convert in CWC 2025 so far
Throughout the World Cup, Deol has repeatedly shown the technical skill and temperament to negotiate the early overs, often providing a solid foundation for India’s middle order. For instance, against Pakistan, she compiled a composed 46, the highest score for India at that stage, before giving her wicket away. Similar patterns emerged against England, where she was out for 24, curtailing a potential match-defining innings. Her failure to convert starts into big scores has created a persistent gap in the middle order, forcing added pressure on the lower-middle order. For India to maintain momentum and post or chase challenging totals, Deol must address this recurring issue, combining her initial composure with greater concentration and shot selection in the crucial phases of the innings.
Here’s how fans reacted:
If you need the top two to deliver it’s now. Smriti and Harmanpreet have a real deal on their hands. Harleen had started to look decent. But this has been her issue forever. Starts and then done. @RevSportzGlobal
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) October 19, 2025
Can’t bowl
Can’t bat
Can’t stand even on the crease
Can’t defend
Can’t attackHarleen Deol is playing on wanna be beautiful Quota pic.twitter.com/gul8qFFio1
— Abhishek Kumar (@Abhishek060722) October 19, 2025
Harleen over Jammy?
And Pratika a test match opener in one days?@BCCIWomen what is wrong with you?— Kumar M (@jkumar_99) October 19, 2025
Harleen Deol is such a mug agnst Spin, no wonder her SR drops in middle overs.
Missed a straight one here from dean.
Absolute mug. https://t.co/0CKq5IeHDz— Basra!!!! (@basrasahab) October 19, 2025
Harleen agr tm strike rotate Krna seekh lo.. toh tm itni buri odi batter nhi h.. take some classes from jemi..
— Asheesh (@Aashu_Aaru) October 19, 2025
https://twitter.com/tweet2api/status/1979910724034908500
Harleen – 5 boundaries. Great.
23 dot balls. Almost 4 overs. Kept Smriti away from strike. Screwed powerplay and left.
Will now make reels to get picked up for the next game.#indvseng #WomensWorldCup2025 #harleen
— Amit Sharma (@twaanuki) October 19, 2025
There is absolutely no reason to have pratika rawal and Harleen both in this team. Absolutely zero reason.#CWC25
— Meowwtivator (@TessaractGaming) October 19, 2025
Also READ: IND vs ENG, Women’s World Cup 2025: Here’s why Jemimah Rodrigues is not playing today’s match
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
