In a dramatic turn of events following India’s heartbreaking four-run loss to England in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, former national captain Anjum Chopra has publicly criticized all-rounder Deepti Sharma for a crucial batting decision that may have cost the team a spot in the semifinals.
Deepti Sharma’s Controversial Shot
With India needing 41 runs off 36 balls and wickets in hand, Deepti Sharma attempted a lofted shot off England’s star spinner Sophie Ecclestone. The gamble backfired—she was caught at long-on, triggering a collapse that ultimately led to India’s narrow defeat.
Chopra, known for her candid analysis, called the shot “completely unnecessary” given the match situation. “It was virtually a run-a-ball equation. You have experienced batters at the crease. There was no need to take such a high-risk shot at that stage,” she emphasized .
Balanced Critique from a Former Captain
Despite her sharp criticism, Chopra was quick to acknowledge Deepti Sharma’s overall contributions to the team. “Deepti has shown tremendous growth over the past year—both with the ball and lower-order batting. This one decision shouldn’t overshadow her value,” she noted .
In fact, just weeks before the tournament, Chopra had named Deepti as one of her key “game changers” for India, particularly praising her bowling alongside Sneh Rana .
Fielding Lapses Compound India’s Woes
Beyond the batting misjudgment, Chopra pointed to India’s fielding as a recurring weakness. “We dropped crucial catches and lacked sharpness in the circle. Against top teams like England, these errors are magnified,” she said.
Context of the Collapse
The match, played in Indore, saw India chasing a competitive 265. Openers laid a solid foundation, and even after Smriti Mandhana’s dismissal, the required rate remained manageable. However, the twin wickets of Mandhana and Sharma in quick succession shifted momentum decisively in England’s favor [[5], [10]].
What This Means for India’s World Cup Campaign
With this loss, India’s path to the semifinals has become significantly harder. They now face must-win scenarios in their remaining fixtures, with net run rate also becoming a critical factor.
Player Under Pressure: A Closer Look at Deepti Sharma
Deepti Sharma has often been a polarizing figure—hailed for her bowling intelligence and criticized for inconsistent batting choices. Yet, her role in India’s middle order remains vital. Chopra herself has previously defended Deepti, notably during the ‘Mankading’ controversy, stating she “did no wrong” .
This latest critique isn’t about her character or intent—it’s about high-stakes decision-making in knockout cricket.
Key Takeaways from the Match
- India lost by just 4 runs—highlighting how fine the margins are at this level.
- Poor shot selection in the middle overs proved costly.
- Fielding standards must improve immediately.
- Deepti Sharma remains a core player despite this setback.
Sources
Times of India: “‘Unnecessary!’ – Former India captain slams Deepti Sharma following India’s World Cup defeat”
Web search result on Anjum Chopra’s post-match analysis
Web search commentary on India’s Indore collapse
Match report on Mandhana and Deepti’s dismissals