Smriti Mandhana Takes Full Blame for India’s World Cup Loss
In a moment that captured the raw emotion of elite sport, Smriti Mandhana stood before the cameras after India’s heartbreaking four-run loss to England in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025—and said, “I will take it on me.” Despite scoring a brilliant 88, the opener held herself accountable for the late batting collapse that derailed what looked like a certain victory.
How India Lost from a Winning Position
Chasing 265 against England in a must-win Group B clash, India appeared firmly in control. Mandhana’s aggressive 88 off just 96 balls and Harmanpreet Kaur’s composed 70 had set the platform for a comfortable chase. At 183/2 in the 35th over, the semifinal spot seemed within reach.
But everything changed in the space of a few overs. Mandhana’s dismissal—caught behind off a short ball—triggered a dramatic collapse. From 183/2, India lost their last eight wickets for just 78 runs, finishing at 260 all out. The dressing room was silent; the fans, stunned.
Smriti’s Emotional Confession: “I Let the Team Down”
Post-match, Mandhana didn’t hide behind excuses. With tears in her eyes, she owned the moment: “I know my wicket was the turning point. I should’ve stayed longer. I will take it on me.” Her honesty resonated across social media, with fans and former players praising her leadership and accountability—even though she wasn’t captain on the field.
That kind of vulnerability is rare in high-stakes cricket. It speaks volumes about her character and the pressure the team is under to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
What’s at Stake Now for Team India?
With this loss, India’s path to the semifinals has narrowed drastically. They now face two must-win games: first against New Zealand, then Bangladesh. A single slip-up could end their campaign in the group stage—a scenario no one expected after their strong start to the tournament.
Coach Amol Muzumdar will need to rebuild confidence quickly. The middle order, which crumbled under pressure, must find its nerve. But if there’s one silver lining, it’s that Mandhana and Harmanpreet have shown they can anchor the innings against top-quality bowling.
Key Stats from the Match
| Player | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smriti Mandhana | 88 | 96 | 91.66 |
| Harmanpreet Kaur | 70 | 82 | 85.36 |
| England Total | 264/9 | 50 overs | — |
| India Total | 260 all out | 49.2 overs | — |
Can India Bounce Back?
History shows this Indian side is resilient. In the 2022 World Cup, they recovered from early setbacks to reach the final. Mandhana’s leadership—on and off the field—could be the catalyst again. Her willingness to shoulder blame may just galvanize the team for the battles ahead.
Fans across the country are rallying behind them. As one tweet put it: “Smriti didn’t fail us. She showed us what courage looks like.”